A NEW PROCESS OF OIL EXTRACTION FROM KARANJ SEED (PONGAMIA GLABRA) THROUGH MECHANICAL EXPRESSION.

摘要

Karanj (Pongamia glabra) is one of the potential forest based non-edible oil seed of India. Presently, oil from karanj seed is being extracted using solvent extraction methods. The process, which has been evolved, would facilitate extraction of about 80% of available oil in the seed through mechanical expeller. The oilcake, which contains about 20% residual oil, may be used for solvent extraction for extracting remaining oil. This new process could reduce cost of oil extraction from karanj seed to the tune of 25% as compared to existing practice (by using solvent extraction method). Also, major amount of oil can be extracted at rural level with existing oil mills, which will help in rural trade to develop in tribal areas. This technology should be promoted in tribal areas where potential for tree borne oilseeds exist. By doing so, tribal people will get additional benefits and the role of middlemen could be minimized. Finally adoption of such technology will add employment generation in rural/tribal areas.