We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry.
We focus on grains and food industry. current time
Haryana Steps Up Oilseed Drive to Cut Import Dependence
A district-level farmers’ fair at Barwala Mandi in Panchkula has highlighted India’s efforts to expand oilseed cultivation and reduce dependence on imported edible oils. Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds, the event focused on taking government schemes, improved farming practices and market opportunities closer to farmers.
The fair featured stalls showcasing welfare programmes and agricultural initiatives. A key focus was ensuring that farmers receive clear information about eligibility, application procedures and the process of accessing government support, rather than allowing such information to remain limited to government offices.
The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds, approved on October 3, 2024, has set a long-term target of significantly increasing domestic oilseed production. The mission aims to raise output from 3.9 crore tonnes in 2022-23 to 6.97 crore tonnes by 2030-31. Its broader objective is to meet a larger share of India’s edible oil requirement through domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.
India has already recorded progress in this direction. Between 2014-15 and 2024-25, oilseed production increased by around 56%. Productivity also improved from 1,075 kg per hectare to 1,412 kg per hectare during the same period. Production continued to rise, reaching 43.06 lakh tonnes, or 4.306 crore tonnes, in 2025-26.
The next challenge is ensuring that higher national output translates into better productivity and stronger returns for farmers. More than 600 value chain clusters are being developed across the country to connect growers with improved seeds, scientific cultivation methods, processing facilities and markets. Strengthening these links can improve efficiency and create greater opportunities for value addition.
In Haryana, farmers are being encouraged to adopt improved oilseed varieties with higher oil-yielding potential. Certified seeds are being made available, alongside regular training on better agricultural practices. These measures are aimed at improving yields and making oilseed cultivation more attractive.
Financial support is another part of the initiative. Farmers can receive Rs 3,600 per acre through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for sunflower demonstration plots, helping them assess improved varieties and cultivation techniques under local conditions.
Reducing India’s dependence on global edible oil markets will require sustained investment in seeds, technology, farmer training, processing and market access. The success of the mission will ultimately depend on how effectively these interventions reach farmers and strengthen the economics of oilseed cultivation.
