Scientists Pledge to Make India Self-Reliant in Edible Oils

Udaipur: In an ambitious push towards self-reliance in edible oils and achieving the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, agricultural scientists are committed to playing a pivotal role. The Union Cabinet has approved the National Edible Oil Mission, a historic initiative aimed at making India self-sufficient in edible oils. The mission, with a financial allocation of ₹10,103 crores, will be implemented from 2024-2025 to 2030-31, targeting an increase in oilseed production from 39 million tons to 69.7 million tons by the end of the decade.

Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur, addressed the gathering of peanut scientists at the “Peanut-2025” national conference held at the Rajasthan Agricultural College Auditorium. The conference, which is part of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP), is organized by the Indian Peanut Research Institute, Junagadh (Gujarat), and MPUAT. Around 200 peanut scientists from across the country are attending this three-day event.

Dr. Karnataka urged scientists to focus on pre-breeding to expand the genetic base of peanuts, address diverse market needs, and develop climate-resilient and nutrient-rich varieties. He emphasized the importance of applying modern technologies like GIS, GPS, and AI/ML for surveys and advancements in peanut farming. He also highlighted the need for incorporating drone technology for pest and disease monitoring in peanut farming.

Dr. D.K. Yadav, Deputy Director-General (Crop Science) of ICAR, New Delhi, called for the development of high-yielding, climate-adapted, and disease-resistant peanut varieties. He also discussed India’s position as the second-largest peanut producer globally, after China, and emphasized the role of research institutions in increasing productivity and production.

Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Assistant Director-General (Oilseeds and Pulses) of ICAR, stated that while India imports about 57% of its edible oil needs, peanut, with 40% oil content and 20% protein, has significant potential. He urged scientists to develop peanut varieties with 50-55% oil content to enhance the country's self-sufficiency in edible oils.

During the event, six books authored by peanut scientists, including “Methods to Reduce Aflatoxin in Peanuts,” “Pratap Peanut Three,” and “Post-Harvest Management of Peanuts,” were launched.