Special Provisions by the Centre for Self-Reliance in Oilseed Production

08-Apr-2026 04:29 PM

New Delhi: The Central Government is making earnest efforts to make the country completely self-reliant in terms of oilseed production. Under this initiative, efforts are underway to expand the area under cultivation for various oilseed crops, as well as to boost their average yield rates and gross production.

According to a press release issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, a special provision of ₹10,103 crore (₹101.03 billion) has been allocated to achieve self-reliance in oilseed production, ensuring that farmers receive comprehensive support and assistance.

The Ministry of Agriculture has set a national-level target to increase the area under oilseed cultivation from the current level of 290 lakh hectares to 330 lakh hectares. Similarly, a target has been established to raise the average yield rate of oilseed crops from 1,353 kg per hectare to 2,112 kg per hectare.

If both these targets are achieved, the total production of oilseeds could surge from the current level of 392 lakh tonnes to reach 697 lakh tonnes. This would significantly reduce the country's dependence on imported edible oils and also ensure better income for oilseed growers.

Due to significantly low domestic production, the country's reliance on imported edible oils has risen to 58 percent. For a long time, India has remained the world's leading importer of edible oils. A colossal amount of funds is expended on these imports.

In India, edible oils are primarily imported from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, Ukraine, and Nepal. Additionally, smaller quantities are also procured from several other countries.