Concerted Efforts Needed for Self-Reliance in Oilseed Production

17-Jun-2026 06:55 PM

New Delhi. The Union Ministry of Agriculture has projected that total domestic oilseed production will reach a new record high of 430.60 lakh tonnes during the 2025-26 season. Soybean, mustard, and groundnut are the primary contributors to oilseed production, with the output of each exceeding 100 lakh tonnes.

Despite this impressive achievement in oilseed production, the country still relies on imports to meet 60 percent of its demand and requirement for edible oils. This clearly indicates that India has a long way to go to become fully self-reliant in edible oils and oilseeds.

The demand for and consumption of edible oils in the country are steadily rising due to population growth, increasing incomes, and changing dietary habits. Edible oil remains a crucial ingredient for households as well as other consuming sectors.

If India aims to reduce annual edible oil imports to 95–100 lakh tonnes by 2030, it is essential to increase the average yield of major oilseed crops while simultaneously maximizing the utilization of alternative oil-bearing commodities. These include rice bran and cottonseed.