India’s New Mission to Boost Edible Oil Production
Introduction
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds). This initiative aims to increase domestic oilseed production and reduce reliance on imports.
Mission Details
The mission will run from 2024-25 to 2030-31 with a budget of Rs 10,103 crores. It focuses on key oilseed crops like Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum, and aims to boost production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
Strategies and Technologies
To achieve these goals, the mission will promote high-yield seed varieties, expand cultivation into rice fallow areas, and use advanced technologies like genome editing. An online seed plan will ensure timely seed availability through the ‘SATHI’ Portal.
Infrastructure and Support
New seed hubs and storage units will be established, and over 600 Value Chain Clusters will be developed. Farmers will receive high-quality seeds, training, and advisory services. The mission also aims to expand oilseed cultivation by 40 lakh hectares.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The mission will reduce import dependency, conserve foreign exchange, and boost farmers’ incomes. It will also promote low water usage and improved soil health.
Government Measures
To support this mission, the government has increased the Minimum Support Price for oilseeds and imposed a 20% import duty on edible oils. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) ensures farmers receive fair prices.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Modi -: He is the current Prime Minister of India, leading the government and making important decisions for the country.
Union Cabinet -: This is a group of top government ministers in India, led by the Prime Minister, who make important decisions for the country.
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) -: This is a special plan by the Indian government to increase the production of oilseeds in India, so the country doesn’t have to buy as much oil from other countries.
Oilseeds -: These are seeds like mustard, sunflower, and soybean that are used to produce cooking oils.
Import dependency -: This means relying on other countries to provide goods, like edible oils, instead of producing them within the country.
Rs 10,103 crores -: This is a large amount of money, specifically 10,103 crores of Indian Rupees, which is being allocated for the mission.
Advanced technologies -: These are new and improved methods or tools that help in better farming and production of oilseeds.
Seed hubs -: These are special places where high-quality seeds are developed and distributed to farmers to help them grow better crops.
Value Chain Clusters -: These are groups of activities that help in the production, processing, and selling of oilseeds, making the whole process more efficient.
Self-reliance -: This means being able to produce enough goods, like edible oils, within the country without needing to buy from other countries.
Conserve foreign exchange -: This means saving the country’s money that would otherwise be spent on buying goods from other countries.