NITI Aayog has released a seminal report titled, "Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils towards Atmanirbharta." The report prepared under the guidance of Vice-Chairman Shri Suman Bery and other senior officials presented India's increasing dependence on imported edible oils with details of strategies for self-sufficiency in the sector.
Consumption of edible oils has increased manifold in the last few decades in India and reached 19.7 kg annually per capita. Contrasted against that, home production is growing at an almost snail's pace at about 5%, forcing the country to resort to imports of as much as 16.5 MT of edible oils in 2022-23. Presently, only 40-45 percent of the country's needs are being met from domestic production against the key challenge to become self-reliant in the sector.
The report elaborates on the status of the industry for edible oils, providing a comprehensive road map to bridge the demand-supply gap. Contemplating the business-as-usual scenario, the national supply of edible oil is estimated to rise to 16 MT by 2030 and 26.7 MT by 2047. In yet another simulation, the report takes into account switches across consumption baskets, together with the growth in the economy.In one scenario, if per capita consumption reaches levels seen in developed countries, the gap between demand and supply could be 22.3 MT by 2030. In another, where consumption reaches U.S. levels, the gap could be as wide as 29.5 MT.
To tackle this issue, the report suggests three main strategies: (1) increasing the area used for growing oilseeds, especially by using unused rice fields and wastelands; (2) improving the yield of existing crops through better farming techniques and seeds; and (3) retaining and diversifying oilseed crops.
The report also introduces a state-wise strategy that categorizes states into four groups based on their cultivation area and yield. Each group requires a different approach.In one scenario, if per capita consumption reaches levels seen in developed countries, the gap between demand and supply could be 22.3 MT by 2030. In another, where consumption reaches U.S. levels, the gap could be as wide as 29.5 MT.
To tackle this issue, the report suggests three main strategies: (1) increasing the area used for growing oilseeds, especially by using unused rice fields and wastelands; (2) improving the yield of existing crops through better farming techniques and seeds; and (3) retaining and diversifying oilseed crops.
The report also introduces a state-wise strategy that categorizes states into four groups based on their cultivation area and yield. Each group requires a different approach. Large area, low-yielding states should focus on increasing crop productivity. Small area, high-yielding states should expand the area under cultivation.
Following these strategies, the report concludes, domestic production of edible oils can rise manifold times so that the country will cut down significantly its reliance on imports. It calls for better seed quality, modern processing facilities, and more public-private partnerships to make the edible oil segment strong.
Media reports say self-sufficiency in edible oils is key to food security and economic stability for the country. Intensive effort is called for to fill the existing gaps in production and invest in research and development for the long-term sustainability of the country in edible oil production.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Prerna Lal/MSM)