Understanding the National Mission on Edible Oils

National Mission on Edible Oils

The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) is a pivotal initiative in India's journey towards achieving self-reliance, or Atmanirbhar Bharat. This mission aims to transform the edible oil sector, which has long been dependent on imports, into a self-sufficient industry.

About the National Mission on Edible Oils

The primary goal of NMEO is to enhance the country’s oilseed ecosystem, thereby achieving self-reliance in edible oil production. This initiative is crucial for reducing India's dependence on imported edible oils.

Targets of the Mission

• Increase area coverage from 29 million hectares in 2022-23 to 33 million hectares.
• Boost primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in 2022-23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Elevate yield from 1,353 kg per hectare in 2022-23 to 2,112 kg per hectare by 2030-31.
• Achieve domestic edible oil production of 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Expand oilseed cultivation by an additional 40 lakh hectares by targeting rice and potato fallow lands.

Two-Pronged Approach

The mission employs a dual strategy to meet its objectives, focusing on both oil palm and traditional oilseed crops.

National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm

This component is dedicated to expanding oil palm cultivation and increasing domestic crude palm oil output. Approved in 2021 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, it aims to enhance the production of edible oilseeds and improve the availability of oils in India.

• Establish seed gardens and nurseries for oil palm to ensure domestic availability of seedlings.
• Target to cultivate 6.5 lakh hectares of oil palm by 2025-26.
• Increase crude palm oil production to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029-30.

Implementation

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) serves as the nodal authority for implementing the NMEO.

National Mission on Edible Oils - Oilseeds

This initiative focuses on improving the productivity, seed quality, processing, and market linkages for traditional oilseed crops. The mission was approved in 2024 for a seven-year period, from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

• Increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Enhance production of key primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and more.
• Improve extraction efficiency from secondary sources like cottonseed and Tree-Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the National Mission on Edible Oils?
Answer: The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) is an initiative aimed at transforming India's edible oil sector into a self-reliant industry by enhancing domestic production and reducing import dependence.

Q2. What are the targets of NMEO?
Answer: NMEO aims to increase oilseed production from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31, expand cultivation area, and improve yield per hectare significantly.

Q3. How does NMEO plan to achieve self-reliance?
Answer: The mission focuses on expanding oil palm cultivation, improving the productivity of traditional oilseed crops, and enhancing seed quality and market linkages.

Q4. Who is responsible for implementing NMEO?
Answer: The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) acts as the nodal authority for the implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils.

Q5. What is the significance of oil palm cultivation in NMEO?
Answer: Oil palm cultivation is crucial for increasing domestic crude palm oil production and reducing reliance on imported oils, contributing to overall edible oil self-sufficiency.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the main goal of the National Mission on Edible Oils?
A) To increase imports of edible oils
B) To achieve self-reliance in edible oil production
C) To reduce agricultural land usage
D) To promote foreign investments in agriculture
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which department is responsible for the implementation of NMEO?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
C) Ministry of Food Processing Industries
D) Ministry of Rural Development
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: By how much does NMEO plan to increase oilseed production by 2030-31?
A) From 29 million tonnes to 33 million tonnes
B) From 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes
C) From 39 million tonnes to 39.5 million tonnes
D) From 33 million tonnes to 39 million tonnes
Correct Answer: B