Government Initiatives
In the Union Budget 2025-26, the Government of India has significantly increased its allocation towards developing the oilseed industry. A total of Rs. 11,040 crore (US$ 1.27 billion) has been allocated for the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), out of which Rs. 8,844 crore (US$ 1.02 billion) is the share of the Government of India and Rs. 2,196 crore (US$ 252.76 million) is the state share.
During the last couple of years FY20 and FY21, the Government of India undertook several initiatives like Targeted Rice Fallow Area (TRFA) oilseeds, National Food Security Mission (NFSM) oilseeds, cluster demonstrations of improved technology, Mustard programme during Rabi, and Special programme on rapeseed; to increase the oilseed production. The above initiatives resulted in the highest oilseed production in the country during these years.
Under NSFM – Oilseeds programme, the states and agencies are provided support for the purchase of breeder seeds, distribution of certified seeds, creation of seed hubs, plant protection equipment, sprinkler sets, seed storage bins, and seed treating drums etc.
Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) with a financial outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore (US$ 1.16 billion) over seven years, aims to increase domestic oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in FY23 to 69.7 million tonnes by FY31.
In the Interim Budget 2024-25, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman outlined plans to devise a strategy aimed at attaining self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in oilseeds like mustard, groundnut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower.
According to Union Agriculture Minister, Mr. Arjun Munda, government has launched a mission worth US$ 1.3 billion (Rs. 11,000 crore) aimed at reducing the dependency on imported edible oils and achieving self-sufficiency in oilseed production.
Directorate of Oilseeds Development (DOD)
The Directorate of Oilseeds Development (DOD) was formed in the year 1942 and is responsible for supervising the Oilseed Development Programmes and Oil Palm Development Programmes across the country and in the designated states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.