A Landmark National Mission to Achieve Self-Reliance 

In a significant stride towards agricultural self-sufficiency, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds). This ambitious initiative aims to bolster domestic oilseed production and reduce India’s dependence on imports, aligning with the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) vision. The mission is set to run from the fiscal year 2024-25 to 2030-31, with a substantial financial allocation of ₹10,103 crore. 

Boosting Oilseed Production 

NMEO-Oilseeds focuses on enhancing the production of key primary oilseed crops, including Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum. Additionally, it aims to improve the collection and extraction efficiency of secondary sources such as Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree-Borne Oils. The mission targets increasing primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to an impressive 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. When combined with the National Mission on Edible Oil – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), the overall objective is to raise domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31, thereby meeting approximately 72% of India’s projected domestic demand. 

Strategic Implementation 

To achieve these ambitious goals, the mission will promote the adoption of high-yielding, high-oil-content seed varieties, expand cultivation into rice fallow areas, and encourage intercropping practices. Embracing cutting-edge global technologies like genome editing, NMEO-Oilseeds aims to harness ongoing developments in high-quality seed production. 

Ensuring the timely availability of quality seeds is crucial. The mission will introduce an online five-year rolling seed plan through the Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory (SATHI) Portal. This platform will enable states to form advance partnerships with seed-producing agencies, including cooperatives, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and both government and private seed corporations. To further strengthen seed infrastructure, 65 new seed hubs and 50 seed storage units will be established in the public sector. 

Developing Value Chain Clusters 

A key component of NMEO-Oilseeds is the development of over 600 Value Chain Clusters across 347 unique districts, covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. Managed by value chain partners such as FPOs, cooperatives, and public or private entities, these clusters will provide farmers with access to high-quality seeds, training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and advisory services on weather and pest management. 

Enhancing Post-Harvest Processes 

The mission also aims to expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares by targeting fallow lands used for rice and potato cultivation, promoting intercropping, and encouraging crop diversification. Support will be extended to FPOs, cooperatives, and industry players to establish or upgrade post-harvest units, thereby enhancing the recovery of oil from sources like cottonseed, rice bran, corn oil, and Tree-Borne Oils (TBOs). 

Promoting Awareness and Dietary Guidelines 

In addition to production and infrastructure improvements, NMEO-Oilseeds will launch an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about recommended dietary guidelines for edible oils. This initiative aims to educate consumers on the benefits of using domestically produced oils, thereby driving demand and supporting local farmers. 

Achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in Edible Oils 

By significantly increasing domestic oilseed production, NMEO-Oilseeds will advance India’s goal of self-reliance in edible oils. This mission is expected to reduce import dependency, conserve valuable foreign exchange, and boost farmers’ incomes. Furthermore, it will bring environmental benefits by promoting low water usage and improving soil health, while making productive use of previously fallow crop areas. 

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