Head-Rail Transport
75, 47, 38, 64, 78 and 135. The worst year was therefore
1931-32 when both our exports oi the seed and oil fell to
very low figures viz. 120,000 tons and 38,000 gallons.
Seventy-two thousand tons of oil cake were exported in
1935-36, and in 1936-37, 50,000. Our chief market for the
cake has been the United Kingdom, which alone accounted
for 70,000 and 47,000 tons for the two years. The sudden
improvement in 1934-35 over 1931-32 needs explanation.
It has already been pointed out that Argentine is our chief
competitor, though viewed from the stand point of quality,
the oil content of Indian linseed in much higher. There
are two varieties of Indian seed—the Bombay Bold with
an oil content of 135 grains per gramme; Calcutta Bold
is smaller and has about 145 to 153 grains per gramme.
With the falling off in oiir exports and the increasing
competition of Argentine, the situation became serious
and particularly acute just at the time of the Ottawa
Conference. It was therefore thought that something
must be done to give the commodity a fillip and this was
effected in the shape of a 10% preference to the Indian
seed. Coincident with this artificial stimulus, there was
a crop failure in Argentine for the two years succeeding
1932, so that our exports shot up and the linseed trade
was placed on its old footing.
Apart from our rich export trade, there is considerable
internal trade in this commodity. Nearly two and a
quarter kkhs of tons are available for local consumption.
The demand, however, depends upon the reigning prices.
Mustard oil is an important adulterant for industrial uses.
So that when linseed prices are high, recoOTse is had to
mustard oil. It is largely used for culinary purposes and
its demand as an edible oil is highest in the Central
Provinces which has the largest acreage under the crop.
The greatest competitor of linseed is groundnut which
will be taken up for consideration later. Thus, it is clear
166