Reducing Dependence on Import of Edible Oils

National Food Security Mission- Oilseeds (NFSM-OS) is being implemented by the Government of India from 2018-19 to augment the availability of edible oils and reduce the import burden by increasing the production and productivity of oilseeds (Groundnut, Soybean, Rapeseed & Mustard, Sunflower, Safflower, Sesame, Niger, Linseed and Castor) and area expansion of Oil Palm & Tree Borne Oilseeds (Olive, Mahua, Kokum, Wild Apricot, Neem, Jojoba, Karanja, Simaroba, Tung, Cheura and Jatropha) in the country. The scheme comprises of three sub-missions namely, NFSM-Oilseeds, NFSM-Oil Palm and NFSM-Tree Borne Oilseeds.

Moreover, During the year 2021-22, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely, National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) has been launched to promote oil palm cultivation for making the country Atmanirbhar in edible oils with special focus on North Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar by increasing area of Oil Palm from 3.70 lakh hectares to 10.00 lakh hectares in 2025-26. This scheme is being implemented in 15 States/UTs during 2022-23.

Under National Food Security Mission- Oilseeds (NFSM-OS), Government of India has also been implementing some special programmes namely Special Programme on Rapeseed & Mustard for distribution of latest high yielding varieties seeds, Distribution of Seed Mini kits of hybrid Mustard seeds, Rapid Soybean Seed Multiplication Plan (3S1Y) and a Special Project to increase area and production of Sunflower cultivation in the country through hybrid seed production and demonstration for three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25. In addition, Government has also approved an Annual Action Plan for area expansion of Sunflower in Paddy Fallows during 2022-23.

The National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Oilseeds is being implemented by Government of India from the year 2017-18 in 28 States/UTs, including, Gujarat and assistance is being provided in all 33 districts of Gujarat.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on 24 March, 2023.