NMEO-OS, approved in 2024, aims to boost oilseed production to 69.7 MT by 2030-31, promote secondary oil sources and reduce India’s dependence on edible-oil imports.
News: The government’s NMEO-OS, approved in 2024, aims to boost domestic oilseed production and reduce India’s dependence on edible-oil imports by 2030-31.
ABOUT
- Approved in 2024 for 2024-25 to 2030-31.
- Aim: achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils by increasing domestic oilseed production and improving extraction from secondary sources.
- Covers 9 major oilseeds: groundnut, soybean, rapeseed-mustard, sunflower, sesame, safflower, niger, castor and linseed.
- Also promotes secondary sources: cottonseed, rice bran, coconut and Tree-Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).
Key Targets
- Oilseed area: 29 → 33 million ha by 2030-31.
- Production: 39 → 69.7 million tonnes.
- Add 40 lakh ha through fallow lands, intercropping and crop diversification.
- Along with NMEO-OP, target 25.45 MT edible oil production, meeting ~72% of domestic demand.
SIGNIFICANCE
- India produces only about 44% of its edible oil requirement domestically, leading to high import dependence.
- Around 76% of oilseed cultivation is rainfed, making production vulnerable to climate variability.
- Supports farmers' income, nutritional security and import reduction.