Prime Minister Modi Announces National Mission on Edible Oils for Self-Reliance
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised the Union Cabinet’s approval of the National Mission on Edible Oils—Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds), calling it a significant step towards self-reliance, or Atmanirbharta. This mission aims to boost domestic oilseed production, support farmers, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Mission Details
The NMEO-Oilseeds will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2030-31 with a budget of Rs 10,103 crores. It focuses on increasing the production of key oilseed crops like Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum. The goal is to raise primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
Technological Advancements
The mission will use advanced technologies like genome editing to develop high-quality seeds. An online seed plan will be introduced through the ‘SATHI’ Portal to ensure timely seed availability. New seed hubs and storage units will be established to improve infrastructure.
Value Chain Clusters
Over 600 Value Chain Clusters will be developed, covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. These clusters will provide farmers with high-quality seeds, training, and advisory services.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The mission aims to reduce import dependency, conserve foreign exchange, and boost farmers’ incomes. It will also promote low water usage and improved soil health.
Government Support
The government has increased the Minimum Support Price for oilseeds and imposed a 20% import duty on edible oils to protect domestic producers. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures farmers receive fair prices.
Doubts Revealed
Edible Oils -: Edible oils are oils that we use for cooking and eating. They come from plants like mustard, soybean, and sunflower.
Self-Reliance -: Self-reliance means being able to do things on your own without needing help from others. In this context, it means India wants to produce its own edible oils instead of buying from other countries.
National Mission on Edible Oils -: This is a special plan by the Indian government to grow more oilseeds in India. The goal is to produce enough edible oils in the country so that India doesn’t have to import them from other countries.
Oilseeds -: Oilseeds are seeds that are used to produce oils. Examples include mustard seeds, soybean seeds, and sunflower seeds.
Rs 10,103 crores -: This is a large amount of money, specifically 10,103 crores of Indian Rupees, which the government will spend on this mission to help farmers and increase oilseed production.
Rapeseed-Mustard -: Rapeseed-Mustard is a type of plant whose seeds are used to make mustard oil, a common cooking oil in India.
Soybean -: Soybean is a type of bean that is used to make soybean oil, which is another type of cooking oil.
Value Chain Clusters -: These are groups of activities and processes that help in producing and selling products. In this mission, they will help in growing, processing, and selling oilseeds more efficiently.