Palm oil meet calls for science-guided public understanding of the edible oil in India
The Palm Oil Conclave 2025 in Bhopal highlighted the need for science-based communication to counter misinformation about palm oil. Speakers stressed sustainability, farmer empowerment, and India-led narratives. Experts noted palm oil’s nutritional value, efficiency, and strategic importance, calling for collaboration to build a resilient, transparent, and responsible supply chain for India’s future.
The recently concluded ‘Palm Oil Conclave 2025’, organised by the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), Solidaridad and the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), has highlighted the need for fact-based communication and science-guided public understanding of palm oil in India.
Welcoming the participants at the conclave in Bhopal recently, Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman of APOA, stressed the need for India to reclaim the discourse on palm oil.
“India has long been influenced by external narratives, many of which do not reflect our realities or our needs. Today’s deliberations show that India is ready to steer its own informed direction, grounded in facts, transparency, and collaboration. This conclave has brought clarity at a time when consumer trust is essential,” he said.
Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, emphasised the role of science in shaping balanced public perception.
Hit by misleading information
Stating that palm oil has suffered from fragmented and often misleading information, Chattopadhayay said: “Through dialogues like these, backed by the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework, we are building a resilient, responsible supply chain that benefits farmers and protects the environment. Today’s discussions reaffirmed that sustainability and growth must move together.”
Suresh Motwani, Secretary General of APOA, said: “As someone working at the intersection of science, policy, and regional collaboration, I see palm oil not just as a commodity but as a strategic solution for India’s food and nutrition security. The evidence is clear — palm oil contains essential vitamins, balanced fatty acids, and is one of the most efficient crops globally. It is time we replace myths with meaningful, research driven conversations.”
Sougata Niyogi, CEO of Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd, said the Palm Oil Conclave 2025 comes at a pivotal moment when there continues to be an increased consumer focus on health and sustainability. “As the citizens priorities health and improved nutrition, it is crucial that we come together and build a shared understanding and direction. This conclave provides a platform for open dialogue, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration to create a more resilient and responsible palm oil ecosystem for India,” Niyogi said.
BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said: “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat begins in our fields. When we empower farmers with better seeds, scientific knowledge, fair markets, and modern processing systems, India naturally moves toward self-reliance in edible oils. The potential is enormous, we only need to harness it with commitment and consistency.”
More than 200 experts from nutrition science, medical practice, FMCG, food processing, academia, industry and consumers participated in the conclave.
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Source : The Hindu Business line
