MUMBAI:Rice bran has become a sought-after commodity in India as the world’s biggest importer of vegetable oils tries to overcome an edible oil shortage caused by global supply disruptions.
A by-product in rice milling, rice bran has been traditionally used for cattle and poultry feed. In recent years, oil mills have started extracting rice oil, which is popular among health-conscious consumers but historically more expensive than rival oils.
Rice bran oil accounts for a small portion of overall vegoil consumption in India but is one of the fastest-growing among edible oils, industry officials say, and production and imports are set to increase to meet the demand.