Major Push Towards Edible Oil Self-Reliance: India Targets “Atmanirbharta” With 7-Year Mission To Cut Massive Imports
India launched the ₹10,103 crore National Mission on Edible Oil (2024-31) to cut dependence on 16 million tonnes of annual edible oil imports worth ₹1.61 lakh crore. The mission targets raising oilseed production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
India is preparing for a major push towards edible oil self-reliance as the Centre rolls out a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on foreign imports and strengthen domestic oilseed production.
Currently, India is among the world’s largest importers of edible oil, importing nearly 16 million tonnes every year. The country reportedly spends around Rs 1.61 lakh crore annually on edible oil imports, putting significant pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
A large share of India’s edible oil demand is fulfilled through imports of palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia and sunflower oil from countries such as Ukraine. Industry estimates suggest that nearly 60 percent of India’s edible oil requirement is currently met through imports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised the need for “Atmanirbharta” in edible oil production and has also appealed to citizens to reduce excessive oil consumption.
To tackle the issue, the government has launched the National Mission on Edible Oil (NMEO), a seven-year programme running from 2024-25 to 2030-31.
The Centre has allocated Rs 10,103 crore for the mission, which aims to increase domestic production of major oilseeds such as mustard, soybean, groundnut, sunflower and sesame.
One of the key targets of the mission is to raise India’s oilseed production from around 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to nearly 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
The government also plans to improve seed quality, expand oilseed cultivation on unused and fallow land, and encourage the use of alternative oil sources such as rice bran oil, cottonseed oil and tree-borne oils.
Experts say Indian farmers have traditionally preferred crops like wheat and rice because of stable procurement systems, assured government support and lower market uncertainty. Oilseed farming, however, is often seen as riskier because of fluctuating prices, pests, diseases and uncertain rainfall.
Agricultural scientists now believe advances in seed technology and research could help change this trend. New crop varieties resistant to pests, diseases and climate stress are being developed, and experts estimate that better-quality seeds alone could increase yields by 15 to 20 percent.
The mission also proposes stronger MSP support, procurement mechanisms and insurance coverage to build confidence among farmers and encourage larger oilseed cultivation.
Economists say edible oil self-reliance could significantly reduce India’s import bill, strengthen rural incomes and reduce the country’s vulnerability to global price shocks and geopolitical disruptions.
Officials believe that if implemented successfully, the programme could not only improve food security but also become a major economic and strategic advantage for India’s agricultural sector.
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Source : My Pune Pulse
