Discussions at a two-day workshop sought to address implementation issues of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds and facilitate exchange of global best practices in palm oil cultivation to advance sustainable practices
At the national-level workshop on sustainable oil palm cultivation, prominent stakeholder groups addressed the challenges confronting palm oil production and recommended pathways to sustainable practices. The event identified public-private partnerships and policy coordination as vital to scaling domestic production and reducing import dependence.
The two-day event organised by the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the Department of Farmers Welfare Government of India served as a platform for government bodies, farmers, private companies, and international organisations to exchange global best practices in oil palm cultivation. Discussions aimed to advance sustainable practices and address implementation issues of the national mission of edible oil palm.
The workshop began with an interactive session between farmers and industry representatives, addressing challenges in the palm oil sector. Farmers from across India participated, sharing experiences and discussing best practices. This was followed by a review of state performance, identifying bottlenecks in the NMEO-OP implementation, and proposing steps for improvement. Assam's agriculture minister, Atul Bora, highlighted the strategic importance of sustainable oil palm cultivation to the region’s economy and assured continued government support to farmers in the state’s bid to play a leadership role in India's growing oil palm sector.
Devesh Chaturvedi, secretary of DA&FW, stressed the importance of increasing India's domestic share of palm oil production from 2 percent to 20 percent over the next 5 to 6 years. He called on all stakeholders to work together to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production and improve food security.
Joint secretary of oil seeds, Ajit Kumar Sahu, addressed NMEO-OP implementation challenges, highlighting the need for collaboration between state farmers and industry to overcome barriers. Economic aspects were discussed further by Vijay Paul Sharma, Chairman of the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices. He linked sustainable practices and technology to enhanced profitability.
The workshop also featured technological advancements like cell gene technology, which improve sapling quality and oil yields. Health and nutritional benefits of palm oil were spotlighted to dispel misconceptions and promote its advantages. Global experts, including representatives from the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries, the Round Table on Sustainable Farm Oil and the Worldwide Fund for Nature, shared insights on sustainability and climate resilience, helping India avoid environmental pitfalls encountered in other regions. Industry leaders, including Godrej Agrovet Limited, 3 G Oil Palm Private Limited, Patanjali Foods Limited, and AAK, emphasised the role of the private sector in driving sustainable oil palm production, particularly through public-private partnerships.
The workshop ended on an optimistic note with discussions on the future of oil palm cultivation in India, especially in the North East. Policymakers, industry leaders, and international exports are expected to refine strategies for implementing NME-OP, ensuring sustainability, profitability, and economic growth across the value chain.