Agri Ministry Unveils First-Ever Edible Oil Consumption Survey

Table of Contents

Context

The Union Agriculture Ministry has launched India’s first-ever survey to analyze edible oil consumption patterns across the country. This initiative aims to gather data critical for implementing the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) effectively.

Key Details of the Survey

Objective: To assess consumption trends and identify key areas to reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports.
Significance: India, the largest global consumer and importer of edible oils, lacks updated data on consumption, making the survey essential for evidence-based policymaking.

About National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

Introduction:

Launched by the government, NMEO-Oilseeds focuses on increasing domestic edible oil production to ensure self-reliance and reduce import dependency.

Key Objectives:

Boost Domestic Production:
- Targeting oilseed production growth from 39 million tonnes (2022–23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030–31.
- Encouraging cultivation of oilseed crops like soybean, groundnut, mustard, and palm oil.
Reduce Import Dependency:
- India currently imports 55–60% of its edible oil requirements.
- For the 2023–24 oil marketing year, India imported 15.96 million tonnes of edible oil.
Promote Self-Reliance:
- Aligning with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in essential commodities.

Key Components of NMEO-Oilseeds

Financial Support:
- Incentives for farmers to adopt high-yielding oilseed varieties.
- Investments in oilseed processing infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses.
Research and Development:
- Development of pest-resistant and climate-resilient oilseed crops.
- Technology adoption for improved oil extraction and processing methods.
Expansion of Palm Oil Cultivation:
- Promoting oil palm plantations, particularly in northeastern states and coastal regions.
- Focus on increasing crude palm oil (CPO) production.

Significance of the Survey and Mission

Data-Driven Policies: The survey will help policymakers create targeted interventions to enhance edible oil production and reduce reliance on imports.
Economic Impact: Reducing imports can save foreign exchange and boost the income of Indian farmers.
Nutritional Security: Ensures the availability of high-quality edible oils at affordable prices for all sections of society.

Conclusion

The edible oil consumption survey, along with the NMEO-Oilseeds initiative, represents a major step toward achieving self-reliance in edible oil production. By understanding consumption patterns and encouraging domestic cultivation, the government aims to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen India’s agricultural economy.

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