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An Overview of Global Psyllium Husk Powder Market

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Ajit Patel

Psyllium husk is acquired from the genus Plantago. The product is utilized for the manufacture of mucilage on an industrial level to manufacture laxatives and other operations. The plant originated in South East Asia with India ruling the production in terms of volume worldwide. Filled with soluble fiber content it helps in better digestion along with detoxing effect over the body which makes it felicitous as a pharmaceutical composition. Psyllium husk dust obtained during husk manufacturing is vastly used in the construction industry and as an animal graze. North America is contemplated to overhaul the husk market to fuel its large laxative drug and supplement industry.

Segments of Psyllium husk Market

Psyllium Husk is mainly offered as Whole, Powder, and Dust. The whole segment is anticipated to take-over the universal demand in concern of volume percentage. The Powder segment demand is also predicted to grow due to expanding usage in the pharmaceutical and supplement industry.

The dietary supplement industry is expected to influence the demand majorly owing to its present need in the segment. The pharmaceutical industry is also predicted to see significant growth in the forthcoming years. Acknowledging the present demand for the natural medication in the OTC pharmaceutical market the husk has proven to be more advantageous compared to its side effects. Grown laxative based medication demand in developing regions due to a sedentary lifestyle has resulted in increased psyllium husk demand than ever. The indigestion problem in the aging population also attributes to growing husk demand in regions with an aging population.

Psyllium Husk Powder to Improve Brain Health

Regional overview

North America is anticipated to top the list in terms of Psyllium husk demand due to flourishing supplement and natural-based medication demand in the market. The Asia Pacific follows next mainly cause of its medicinal usage indigestion problems, Europe is also expected to receive a significant growth for organic Psyllium husk due to proclamation by governing bodies on ruling out the GMO and non-organic products usage in pharmaceutical and supplement manufacturing sector.

The reports have been prepared extensively based on primary research data like surveys, interviews, and market analysis by experts and some secondary sources like reliable paid sources and databases. The research also includes major changes in the market, evaluation of latest developments in the segment worldwide, emerging markets and strategies by the key players to acquire the share, a complete assessment of parent marketplace, present and future market size in terms of volume and value, and emerging segments in the particular niche.

Investment in Psyllium Husk powder market

Finally, any investment in Psyllium Husk would be a good step toward business. Nevertheless, it should happen after

referring to authentic reports on the demands. You should understand the basic overview of its industry growth, types, applications, and demand-supply chain structure. The in-depth analysis should show clear development trends and competitive business analysis. The cost, gross margin, and capacity of production and supply should be holistically considered before getting into Psyllium Husk powder market.

On the market is available manufacturing of Psyllium Husk powder, ex-factory prices, revenue models, and market share across the world in nutraceuticals.

PM CARES Fund for COVID-19 – A Helping Hand in Tough Times

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Ajit Patel

Coronavirus Pandemic, also known as COVID-19, has emerged as a major threat all around the world. The rapid spread of this disease in most of the countries worldwide gives an idea about its severity. Till now there are more than 36,00,000 cases globally and the number is constantly increasing. In the absence of an effective vaccine, countries are forced to impose lockdowns to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease. Apart from the health aspect, it has badly affected the businesses and industries all around the world.

Especially for countries like India with a large population, the situation is more critical. The Government of India has taken preventive measures from the beginning and it has helped in flattening the curve. However, because of the countrywide lockdown, the situation has become very difficult for the people surviving on daily wages and other small businesses. Considering the severity of the situation, the Prime Minister of India, announced PM CARES Fund to fight COVID-19 on various fronts.

What is PM CARES Fund for COVID-19?

Today, the entire world is affected by life-threatening Coronavirus Pandemic and the number of cases is increasing day by day in India as well. On March 28, 2020 our Prime Minister launched ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund for COVID-19) to gather public contributions to fight against COVID-19. It is an effort to facilitate people who want to donate and contribute to the fight against Coronavirus Pandemic.

Objectives of PM CARES Fund for COVID-19

The primary objective of PM CARES Fund for COVID-19 is to undertake and support relief relating to a public health emergency. It is also aimed to render financial assistance and provide grants of payments to the affected population. This fund consists of voluntary contributions from organizations or individuals and it will be utilized in achieving the pre-defined objectives.

How To Contribute in PM CARES Fund for COVID-19?

Various organizations and personalities have come forward and extended financial aid to the government. People who want to contribute to the PM CARES Fund can visit the official website and donate. Here are the steps for making donations to PM CARES Fund for COVID-19.

Visit the official website – pmindia.gov.in
Click on the link ‘CLICK HERE FOR DONATION DETAILS’
Select the appropriate option and proceed

Altrafine – Standing Strong with the Nation

At Altrafine, we are committed to stand strong with the nation in these tough times. In our effort to support the cause, we have donated Rs.5,00,000 to PM Cares Fund for COVID-19. We feel that urgent emergency resources are the need of the hour to fight the COVID-19 crisis strongly. It will help the medical fraternity and the front line workers in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic as well as help the Government in managing the situation more efficiently.

Coronavirus Outbreak Impact on Guar Gum and Cassia Gum Industry

Posted on April 27, 2020 by Ajit Patel

The coronavirus outbreak has created an unexpected scenario for many industries and with the increasing spread of coronavirus disease the situation is becoming very serious. The coronavirus outbreak has caused economic chaos and uncertainty for the future. However, it is quite difficult to quantify the economic impact of the coronavirus on different industries at the current point of time. Rapidly growing coronavirus cases worldwide and the number of countries going under complete lockdown gives an idea about the severity of the situation.

Around the world, most of the businesses are closed and people are following the safety guidelines like social distancing and self isolation. In the middle of such an unstable economic environment across the world, there are some industries and businesses that have high potential growth opportunities. Guar Gum and Cassia Gum derivatives one of the few segments that are expected to witness great opportunities as a result of the current situation all around the world. Various important aspects will contribute to the growth of Guar Gum and Cassia Gum business.

Coronavirus Awareness to Promote Health & Hyiegene

Coronavirus has spread all around the world in a very short time. All the leading countries of the world are working hard to develop a vaccine to stop the coronavirus disease from spreading further. However, the WHO and governments have been able to create great awareness of coronavirus symptoms and safety tips to avoid coronavirus infection. As a result of the tremendous efforts put in spreading the awareness of coronavirus, people have become aware of the importance of health and hygiene. People

Coronavirus to Boost Demand of Guar Gum and Cassia Gum in the Food Industry

all around the world are switching to a healthy lifestyle and looking at the current situation, it is going to be a new way of living in the future. When it comes to living a healthy life, food takes the center stage. Food with natural food ingredients like Guar Gum and Cassia Gum is the first preference of the health-conscious people. Because of this, the usage of Guar Gum and Cassia Gum in the preparation of various food products is going to increase significantly in the future, which will contribute to the growth of the Guar gum and Cassia gum industry.

The Demand of Guar Gum to Spike in Oil & Gas Sector Post Coronavirus Pandemic

The oil and gas sector has the second-highest market share in terms of Guar gum application. Guar gum is widely used in the oil extraction process in oilfields. It plays an important role in applications like oil well drilling and fracturing. It is highly preferred as a stabilizing, thickening and suspending agent in drilling fluids. As a result of coronavirus pandemic, currently oil drilling companies have reduced production. However, post coronavirus pandemic, the demand of Guar gum is expected to increase drastically. As soon as the countries start to recover from coronavirus, the oil drilling operation is expected to start in full swing and it is expected to create a huge demand of Guar gum in the oil & gas sector.

Global Fenugreek Gum Powder Market Trend Analysis

Posted on March 19, 2020 by Ajit Patel

Over the last decade, the specialty food ingredient market has been growing at a healthy rate. This can be directly related to the growing awareness of the health benefits offered by these products. When it comes to the consumption of food, the majority of the consumers prefer natural and healthy products because of the constantly increasing obesity rates and various diseases caused due to the consumption of junk and unhealthy food products. Now, people have started including natural food products in their regular diets. All these aspects have fueled the demand for Fenugreek Gum Powder globally.

Fenugreek is mainly grown in Asia, Africa and the Middle East and it is also known as ‘Methi’. Fenugreek Gum Powder is very popular and widely used in the Indian subcontinent because of its unique properties and health benefits. It is widely used in a variety of applications in the food industry. The high demands of natural food ingredients by food manufacturers to fulfill the needs of health-conscious consumers are also contributing to the growth of the global Fenugreek Gum Powder market.

Fenugreek Gum Powder

Fenugreek Gum Powder Market Segmentation

The global Fenugreek Gum Powder market is primarily segmented based in nature, end-use, functions and regions. On the basis of nature, the Fenugreek Gum Powder market is classified into organic and conventional. Based on end-use, the market is segmented into the food industry, the pharmaceutical industry and dietary supplements. In terms of functions, the global Fenugreek Gum Powder market is classified as a thickening agent, stabilizing agent and emulsifying agent. On the basis of region, the Fenugreek Gum Powder market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East & Africa.

Growing Demand of Fenugreek Gum Powder and Other Natural Ingredients

Nowadays, people are getting more and more health-conscious and adopting a healthy lifestyle. The majority of consumers choose natural and organic products to meet their nutritional needs. They prefer to go for the products having the details of ingredients, features and benefits. These factors are gradually increasing the demand for natural food ingredients like Fenugreek Gum Powder in the food industry. Fenugreek Gum Powder is widely used in the preparation of food products like ice creams, candies, sweets, chewing gums and pickles. Besides, it is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for the treatment of diabetes and reducing cholesterol levels. Because of its unique properties, it gives good viscosity and longer shelf life to the products. It is also one of the most important factors for the increasing demand of Fenugreek Gum Powder in the food industry.

Growing Demand of Fenugreek Gum Powder

Fenugreek Gum Powder Market Opportunities

The Asia Pacific region has the highest market share in the Fenugreek Gum Powder market as compared to other regions. India is the largest producer of Fenugreek crops in the world and it also has a high consumption in the country. As a result, Fenugreek Gum Powder as a food ingredient has immense potential in the country. Similarly, the increasing awareness of the health benefits offered by Fenugreek has created a great opportunity worldwide.

Locust Bean Gum Powder For Food And Pet Food Application

Posted on February 12, 2020 by Ajit Patel

Locust Gum is a variant of Galactomannan extracted from the carob tree. The seeds of this plant are dried to make a powder to be known as the Locust Gum Powder. Its alias is carob gum. The Carob or Ceratonia siliqua is a shrub belonging to the class of legumes and Fabaceae family. It is one of the ornamental trees commonly grown in gardens and landscapes. Natively, the Mediterranean region and the Middle East are known to be the home of this species. Carob is also believed to replace the cocoa powder, hence is used as an alternate in chocolate bars and other healthy snacks. Besides being fit for human consumption, it is equally fit for consumption among pets.

Application in Food and Pet Food Industry

Food Industry

As per the guidelines issued by the European Commission, an evaluation of the safety of locust bean gum powder as food additives has been conducted and has been authorized under the E410 category. However, it has been in use since 1991 in weaning food, infant formula, and other medical purposes. The locust bean gum acts as a hydrocolloid, Hydrocolloid is a substance that keeps water molecules stick together. This cohesive property makes it useful in thickening and gelling process during food processing. Frequent application of this powder can be observed in salad dressing, making bread, sauces, meat products, etc. It can be advised to use in making candies because of its chewy nature.

The dairy industry has been tremendously exploited by every country in terms of frozen products. Because of freezing, there are chances that fat present in the milk or likewise product may get lost in the process. The freezing and thawing method have thus been incorporated to prevent any fat loss and maintain the texture, taste and overall integrity of the product. Locust bean gum powder has proved invaluable for performing the freeze-thaw mechanism. Not only this, but it also benefits the production by stabilizing the food by promoting non crystallization of sugar, thereby producing a light and low fat frozen products.

This thickening agent can also be used to make gels from the fruits. Locust bean gum is used in small quantities like 0.15 to 0.30% of the total mass.

Pet Food Industry

This industry chooses this gum powder as a binding agent for pet foods. The pet food industry has been blooming since world war II. Earlier there was awe for Canned foods for dogs that used to contain horse meat. However, biscuits too are available but sole biscuits can be enough for their survival. So the pet food also includes meat meals like damaged carcass, sausages, poultry, seafood, etc. Little amount of liquid ingredients along with salt, preservatives, stabilizers and gelling agent. Locust bean gum powder acts as a good binding agent which allows improved homogeneity and traps the moisture.

Locust bean gum powder has been thus used for years in food industries.

The Conclusion

Altrafine Gums, a company which expertise in natural gums, has been fulfilling the demand for natural gums and derivatives for the last three decades. The company has domestic as well as international clientele and has been the brand for authenticity.

Scope of Tamarind Kernel Powder Across Industries

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Ajit Patel

Tamarind is one of the often used culinary items in Indian as well as other cuisines. India is the world’s largest producer of tamarind. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra are amongst the major tamarind producing states. Tamarind pulp has been used in several culinary preparations and tamarind kernel powder is used in textile, cosmetics, confectionery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industry.

Tamarindus indica is the plant species that bear the tamarind fruit. The endosperm layer of the seed produces the tamarind gum powder. This gum is used as a thickener and stabilizer across various industries.

Multiple uses of Tamarind Kernel Powder

Food Industry Deoiled Tamarind Kernel powder is obtained after the dehulling of the seed coat. The seeds are later on grinded to make kernel powder. The polysaccharide comprises close, galactose and glucose cumulatively called as xyloglucan. The deoiled tamarind kernel powder is commercially used as additives for improving the viscosity and texture of processed foods. The addition of the polysaccharide to the food items also brings hardness and crispness and this property is exploited in making biscuits. Cost effectiveness of deoiled kernel powder makes it an obvious choice over pectin in making jams and jellies. The powder can form a gel and is thus used as a thickening agent.

Textile Industry One of the common use of deoiled Tamarind Kernel powder is in the sizing of textiles such as jute or cotton yarns. Due to its low cost, it has replaced the starch. Deoiled Tamarind Kernel Powder is also known as Tamarind Xyloglucan. This polysaccharide present in Tamarind powder swells in water and forms a mucilaginous solution after heating up. It thickens the solution too. sed by Processor in printing of disperse dyes on polyester fabric.

Medical Industry Due to the low carcinogenic property of Deoiled Tamarind Kernel powder, it has been used in a novel drug delivery system. Other properties such as bio compatibility, drug holding capacity have helped it act as a stabilizer in the ointment, coating agents for tablets.

It has other applications like in leather industries, in preparation for pet food, paper industries, and brick industries.

Paper Industry Boric acid and Phenol are the two by products received upon boiling the deoiled tamarind kernel powder in water. Both of them acts as a preservative and gives out a quality paper adhesives. Adding Xyloglucan to paper pulp eases the friction and hastens the process of sheet formation. The powder acts as a binding agent that keeps pages of the books stick together and improves the overall mechanical strength if it is once coated by xyloglucan.

Besides the above mentioned industries, deoiled tamarind kernel powder has also been used in construction. This powder, if mixed in the mixture can support the concrete strength. So there are a variety of industries where deoiled tamarind kernel powder can be put to great use.

The Bottom Line

Altrafine Gums is a name for authentic and reliable natural gums to be produced for industrial purposes. The company plays a role in the distribution of gum and its powder for other industries such as pet food, textiles, paper pulp, etc. The company has been catering to the needs of such industries for around thirty years.

Treating Diabetes with Fenugreek Gum Powder

Posted on December 27, 2019 by Ajit Patel

Diabetes is both a lifestyle as well as a genetic disease. Whatever may be the contributing reason, this disease is rampantly engulfing the world’s population. In 2018 around 500 million people were diagnosed with Diabetes worldwide and is estimated to accelerate in the coming years. So it has become a must to keep a check on our health and dietary necessities. People often tend to adapt a natural and ayurvedic therapy, which has lesser side effects than the allopathic medicines. One such natural treatment is Fenugreek seeds.

All About Fenugreek

Fenugreek more commonly known as methi in Indian culture has been a routine spice to be used in our diet. It is used as a herb, spice, medicine, vegetable, etc. There is a peculiar smell in this plant and it is due to the presence of a chemical called Sotolon.

In Indian subcontinent cuisines, Turkish, Iranian and several other cuisines, fenugreek seeds observe a lot of culinary usage. It has a high calorific value and is a rich source of energy, microminerals, and vitamins. It is used in treating symptoms of several diseases like Eczema, Diabetes, Indigestion, stomach ailments, etc.

Fenugreek Gum powder is obtained by heating and dehusking the fenugreek seeds which are orange to golden in colour. The seeds are rectangular in shape and have two endosperms in it. The endosperm is constituted of galactose and mannose in a 1:1 ratio. This type of constitution makes it easily soluble even in cold water. The powder thus obtained via the mechanical process is yellowish in color.

Fenugreek Seeds Benefits in Treating Diabetes

Fenugreek seeds scientifically named as Trigonella foenum graecum are rich in soluble fibers. These fibers have the potency to lower down the blood sugar level by slowing the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the body. This implicates that it may be effective in treating people with diabetes.

Soluble fibers including galactomannan fibers present in fenugreek gum powder delay the intestinal absorption of Carbohydrates or sugars. To add to these, the alkaloids like Fenugrecin and Trigonelline have indicated explicit hypoglycemic action reducing the blood sugar level. The presence of 4-Hydroxyisoleucine, a type of amino acid, acts on the pancreas to fasten the secretion of insulin, which in turn helps to regulate the sugar level.

Research conducted to prove diabetes benefits

Multiple studies have been conducted to investigate the anti-diabetic benefits of fenugreek seeds. Several clinical trials have shown that these seeds have the power to regulate the blood glucose level and also enhance the glucose tolerance.
According to one study, researchers in India have found that upon addition of 100 grams of defatted fenugreek gum powder to the daily intake or diet of Type 1 diabetes patients significantly elevated their fasting blood glucose levels, improved glucose tolerance and also lowered total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

The Bottom Line

Altrafine Gums, a natural gum synthesizer and supplier of several types of natural gums, headquartered in the Gujarat state of India, has established itself in the domestic as well as International decades for around three decades. Best in class infrastructure, reliable products and massive product range in every segment has been the statement of success for this company.

Refined Cassia Gum Powder as a Fat Substitute

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Ajit Patel

Cassia gum powder has a large number of applications in industries stretching from food, cosmetics, textiles, paper to mining and others. It is one of the major contributors to the texture and feel of the products that we stumble across every day. The structure of the cassia powder imparts it numerous properties that make it one of the key ingredients in a wide array of industries. Guar gum is used as a thickening, binding, stabilizing, hydrating, binding agent. It is also preferred for application as an emulsifier and possesses the ability to be used in various formulations.

Properties of Refined Cassia Gum Powder

Refined cassia gum powder is nothing but a galactomannan polysaccharide having a high molecular weight. It has the ability to form viscoelastic gels with xanthan gum. The refined cassia powder is a free-flowing one without any presence of the lumps. Hence, it exhibits excellent solubility in water as it hydrates at 85°C, thus forming a low viscosity solution. Refined cassia gum powder conforms to the EEC standard E427 and that makes it felicitous for being used as an ingredient in food formulations.

The moisture content in the refined powder of cassia gum can maximum go up to 12% with pH value ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. In addition to that, the acid-insoluble matter and the acid content can only achieve a maximum value of 1.5%. Refined cassia gum powder also shows traces of protein content that can go up to 7%.

Applications of Refined Cassia Gum Powder

A wide variety of food applications include its usage in ham and sausages for gelling and texturizing, fat stabilizer and replacer in cheese spreads, yogurts, and ice-creams, stabilizer and gelling agent for meat and vegetable spreads, thickening agent in sauces and ketchup, water binding agent in the bakery, etc. Cassia gum powder has always been considered as a much cheaper alternative to the locust bean gum. It is also believed to reduce the content of kappa carrageenan in the already available recipe.

Refined Cassia Gum Powder as Fat Substitute

The modern demographic is getting health conscious with every day and hence they keep a check on their consumption of fat. They continuously look for low-fat content alternatives that will prove to be quite healthy to consume as a part of their dietary plan. Refined cassia gum powder is used as a fat substitute in cheese manufacturing. The main area of concern regarding cheese products is syneresis or weeping. Cassia gum powder helps in preventing this phenomenon by performing water phase management and also improves the texture of the product. It is used in soft cheese products and thus enhances the yield of curd solids. Additionally, the addition of refined cassia gum powder also results in providing a softer curve to the soft cheese items with their whey separated. Cassia powder has an advantage in producing low fat cheese products as it does not lead to much change in the rheology and texture of the lowe fat cheese products as compared to its counterpart, high-fat cheese products. Even in certain meat products, the addition of refined cassia gum powder leads to the prevention of fat migration when they are stored.

Cassia Powder: Review on Ethnobotany and Phytochemical Profiles for Future Development

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Ajit Patel

Cassia powder is derived from the cassia tora plant. This is small annual herb that grows as a common weed in the Asian countries and found throughout India. The plant extract is most famous for use in traditional medicines to cure various disease as well as emerging industrial applications.

The cassia plant is a well known ayurvedic medicine plant acting as a laxative, expectorant, action on cardiac diseases liver tonic and many other conditions.

The cassia powder is derived from the grounded and purified endosperm of the seeds of cassia tora plant. Seeds are de husked and degermed through thermal and mechanical treatment followed by milling and screening of the endosperm , further purification is done using isopropanol and the end product is an off white fine cassia powder.

Phytochemistry in Cassia Powder

The medicinal value of the cassia powder extract is due to the Phytochemicals present in the seeds that produce definite physiological action to the human body. These bioactive compounds are alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, glycosides, proteins, tannins, phenols, anthraquinones, terpenoids and many others.

Ongoing scientific researches on the cassia powder suggest huge biological potential of the plant. Studies on the Phytochemicals and biological properties of the extracts show enough evidence for therapeutic value. The efficacy of the phytochemicals from the cassia is affected by the geographical locations where the plant occurs and extraction techniques.

Phytochemical Action

Antioxidant Activity: the methanolic extracts from the seeds shows strong antioxidant with the phenolic active ingredient being alaternin.

Antibacterial effects: these are brought about by the presence of phenolic glycoside and their aglycones and have been seen to have effects on E.Coli and other pseudomonas strains as well as some strains of staphylococcus.

Anthelmintic Activity: this has been shown due to the presence of flavanoids in the cassia gum extract. This action has been seen against Pheretima Posthuma and ascardia galli species.

Other Properties of Cassia Powder

The cassia gum powder is comprised of 75% polysaccharide with a ratio of mannose to galactose of about 5:1.these results are obtained from sugar analysis tests using the high performance liquid chromatography procedure. It has fewer galactose molecules next to the mannose chain. This has a significant effect on the synergy of food grade cassia powder with other anionic food gums like the carrageenan or Xanthan gum. This translates to lesser amounts of cassia powder being required for gelling effect, as to when the carrageenan is used alone.

Some of the applications in foods include emulsifying, stabilizing, thickening, gelling and water retention properties. The foods processed using cassia powder includes cheeses, frozen dairy desserts, meat products and manufacturing of poultry products.

With the increasing shift towards use of natural based chemicals for food and therapeutic purposes, the cassia powder economic potential grows every day. The traditional medicinal value of the cassia gum as herbal remedy has stimulated further research on the phytochemicals of the plant and active ingredients of economic importance. More clinical and pharmacological studies with standardized extracts are needed to uncover the unexploited potential of the cassia gum plant in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Research and Development on the Guar Gum Value Chain for Food Industry

Posted on October 8, 2019 by Ajit Patel

With a high year to year variation in production and exports of the guar gum and derivatives, there is need for closer review of the whole value chain to identify priority areas where focus can be directed. Guar gum is used in the food and bakery industry since a good number of food stuffs and food related product compositions require the usage of colloids to alter the behavior of water compared to other components. The guar gum is an effective stabilizer, binder, thickener and water proofing agent in various food products.

Sector Wise Applications of Guar Gum

The sector wise application of guar shows that the food industry consumes approximately 25 – 30 % of guar gum produced from India, 60% of the production is up taken by petroleum and mining industries while the remaining 10 – 15% is up taken by the textile industry. Over 80% of the global guar production and export comes from India in the form of refined splits, gum powder and guar meals.

Emerging Issues and Constraints Related to Guar Gum Powder

Production Technologies

There have been a number of technologies developed for improved production of the guar gum. These include improved seed varieties, better / improved planting methods, better agronomical practices, soil fertility management, moisture conservation and other quality aspects. It has been shown from research that adoption of line sowing method enhances grain yield by over 35%.

Production in Non-Traditional Areas and Seasons

Cultivation has now been transferred to regions where it was not done previously in India. These new areas have potential for better moisture conservation and have been able to produce over 1800kg/ha of grain yield.

Dissemination of Technology

Most producers lack the knowledge of the emerging technologies in guar production and processing. This constraint is also attributed to lacking financial resources to access information.

High Gum Content and Varied Viscosity Levels

There is little variation in the gum content among the various guar varieties which ranges from 29 – 30% only. There is need for this content to be increased to about 35% which will increase the guar gum yield and the ultimate profitability of the crop. This can be achieved through more biotechnological research aimed at acceleration of gum content and viscosity.

Constraints and Development Opportunities of Guar Gum

Growth period: Currently, the available varieties of guar gum mature in 90 days. There is need for developing early maturing varieties. Research shows that the S. Serrata, a wild guar species can be used as a source for earliness in the guar crop.
Plant type Improvement: there is ongoing research on producing crops with less biomass and more reproductive area, as well as crops that will achieve greater synchronization of flowering for greater grain yields.
Improved gum quality for specific applications: Guar gum for food manufacturing requires high gum content and should also have good viscosity.

Production of odorless and tasteless guar for food and feeds applications can also be a key area of research. For gelling applications, depletion of the galactose molecules can also be an area of innovation.