Why in News?

• Launched in 2024–25 by the Government of India.

• Aim: To make India self-reliant in the production of oilseeds and edible oils by the year 2030–31.

Key Objectives:

• Increase domestic production of major oilseeds such as mustard, soybean, groundnut, sunflower, sesame, and others.

• Promote research in high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties.

• Encourage the use of modern agricultural practices and digital technologies.

• Provide financial support and input subsidies to farmers.

• Improve post-harvest infrastructure, processing facilities, and market linkages.

• Expand coverage of crop insurance for oilseed farmers.

• Enhance secondary oil extraction from sources like rice bran, cottonseed, and tree-borne oilseeds.

Implementation and Targets:

• Duration: 2024–25 to 2030–31

• Total Budget: ₹10,103 crore

• Production Target: Increase oilseed output from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes

• Edible Oil Goal: Meet 72% of India’s projected domestic edible oil demand by 2030–31

Support Measures:

• Launch of SATHI Portal to coordinate quality seed supply.

• Higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and schemes like PM-AASHA to ensure fair returns to farmers.

• Increase in import duties to protect domestic producers from cheap imports.

• Focus on environmental sustainability and employment generation in rural areas.

Learning Corner:
Oilseeds Production in India:

• India is one of the world’s largest producers of oilseeds but imports over 50% of its edible oil requirements.

• Main oilseed crops: Groundnut, Soybean, Mustard/Rapeseed, Sunflower, Sesame, Linseed, Niger, Safflower, Castor.

• Grown mostly in rain-fed regions, resulting in low productivity due to limited irrigation, poor soil fertility, and climate variability.

Key Government Schemes Supporting Oilseeds Sector:

1. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO–Oilseeds):

• Period: 2024–25 to 2030–31

• Goal: Self-sufficiency in edible oils

• Target: 69.7 million tonnes of oilseed production

• Focus Areas:

  • High-yielding, climate-resilient seeds

  • Financial support and subsidies

  • Crop insurance

  • SATHI portal for seed supply

  • Improved storage, processing, and value addition

  • Use of both primary and secondary sources (e.g., cottonseed, rice bran)

2. National Food Security Mission – Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NFSM):

• Promotes higher productivity and area under cultivation.

• Offers support for seeds, inputs, training, and cluster-based demonstrations.

3. Price Support Scheme (PSS):

• Operated under the PM-AASHA umbrella.

• Government agencies procure oilseeds at MSP to protect farmers against price crashes.

4. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):

• A flexible scheme that allows states to create tailored initiatives.

• Funds programs including those that support oilseed cultivation based on local conditions.

Additional Points:

• The mission is expected to reduce import dependence, save foreign exchange, and strengthen farmers’ income.

• The promotion of secondary oil sources like rice bran and cottonseed ensures optimal resource utilization.

• The use of digital tools and climate-smart agriculture will improve productivity and resilience to climate change.

Conclusion:
Atmanirbhar Oil Seeds Abhiyan marks a significant step towards reducing India’s reliance on edible oil imports and securing food and economic sovereignty. With a strong focus on research, technology, financial support, and infrastructure, the mission aims not only to boost oilseed production but also to improve farmer welfare, ensure sustainable agriculture, and stimulate rural development. If implemented effectively, it can transform India into a self-sufficient and globally competitive oilseed economy by 2030–31.