摘要：In order to determine technological level and economic balance of castor seed prodution (Ricinus communis) in the State of Ceará, one of the main producers of oil seed of Northeast of Brazil, the present research was coducted to verify economic feasibility and technological level of castor seed production for obtaining biodiesel. The data were collected in Boa Viagem, Tauá and Pedra Branca municipalities. For profit analysis, income and production cost per hectare of castor seed production in selected municipalities were considered. It was observed that on the average, 12,91% of the interviewed farmers are using more than 80% of the recommended techniques. The castor seed production in all the three selected municipalities is economically feasifble (profitable), without considering the cost related to family labor.
