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The Indian agriculture ministry informed a parliamentary committee that India's pulses and edible oil production have significantly increased in the last decade. While imports still account for a large portion of edible oil demand, particularly palm and soybean oil, oilseed production rose by 55% between 2014-15 and 2024-25.
The government has told a parliamentary committee that domestic production of pulses and edible oils has risen at a greater pace in the last 10 years compared to the previous decade, even as several MPs voiced concern over the country’s continued dependence on imports to meet demand.
In a presentation to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing, the agriculture ministry said imports accounted for 15.66 million metric tonnes (MMT), or 56 per cent, of the total domestic demand for edible oils in 2023-24.
Sources said the ministry, during the committee meeting held on June 20, emphasised the ongoing efforts to achieve self-sufficiency, news media reported. It noted that oilseeds production rose by 55 per cent between 2014-15 and 2024-25, with the third advance estimate pegging output at 426.09 lakh tonnes in the last fiscal.
In contrast, the growth in oilseeds output was only 13 per cent from 2004-05 to 2014-15.
MPs also expressed concerns over public health, particularly concerning India's high dependence on imported palm oil, which is relatively cheaper. Some members flagged possible health hazards associated with palm oil consumption.
The ministry said the country's dependence on edible oil imports is costing more than Rs 80,000 crore annually.
Source: Online/OFA
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