States urged to make vigorous efforts for self-sufficiency in edible oils

08-Jan-2025 01:36 PM

The Union Agriculture Minister has emphasized the need for states to actively support the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm in order to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production and reduce the nation's dependence on imports.

India is currently the largest importer of edible oils globally, spending approximately $16 billion annually, which negatively impacts the national economy.

By increasing the domestic production of oilseeds, India can improve its crushing-processing capacity and enhance its export of byproducts such as de-oiled cake (DOC). 

A key goal is to expand the area under oil palm cultivation, with a target to reach 6.5 lakh hectares by 2025-26. However, there is a need for greater efforts at the state level to realize this target.

Regions in northeastern India, as well as parts of South India, such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Pondicherry, have favorable climates for oil palm cultivation.

The minister called for a coordinated and innovative approach to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils and enhance farmers' incomes through increased domestic production.