Oilseed scenario in India for self-reliance in edible oil

ABSTRACT

Globally, India ranks fourth in oilseed production. About 25 million hectares of land produce 32 million tons of oilseeds, including groundnut, rapeseed, and soybean. The annual per capita demand for edible oil in India is 19.5kg. Domestic production meets only 30% of this demand, and the rest is imported. Of this import, Palm oil has the maximum share (62%) from Indonesia and Malaysia, followed by soya (21%) from Argentina and Brazil, and sunflower oil (16%) from Ukraine and Argentina. Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine directly affect the price of edible oil in international and domestic markets. India can potentially increase domestic oilseeds production, thereby reducing the import burden. The Indian government has taken initiatives like the Technology Mission on Oilseeds, palm oil area expansion under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, development of buffer stock for oilseeds, and other policies to motivate farmers to use location-specific improved varieties and quality seeds production to fulfill the domestic demands of oilseeds. © 2023 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reseverd.