Efforts to reduce dependence on imports have started as import of edible oils in the country has increased significantly

- Extensive activity shown towards increasing the area of ​​palm fruit cultivation and production of mustard-mustard at home.

Years ago, the country had to import grains as the demand for wheat and rice was higher than the local production, but then the dependence on imports was removed due to the widespread increase in domestic production of wheat and rice, but still the country continues to rely on imports in terms of pulses and edible oils. Under such circumstances, there have been reports that the government has started serious efforts to increase the production of various pulses and oilseeds at home. However, the market players are keeping an eye on how much these efforts bear fruit. Recently the government has started a campaign to increase the area of ​​palm cultivation to increase domestic production of palm oil and special efforts have been initiated for this in southern India especially in Telangana region. India has seen a significant increase in palm oil imports from Malaysia and Indonesia in recent years and the government has been aiming to increase the production of ram oil in the country to reduce dependence on such imports. Apart from this, there have been recent initiatives to increase the production of mustard at home. For this, the focus is being focused on GM mustard. However, recently the matter reached the Supreme Court as a controversy arose about such mustard. However, the government has assured the Supreme Court on this issue that such GM mustard will be allowed subject to strict terms and conditions. This mustard is referred to as genetically modified GM. It has also received directions that the government has told the Supreme that vigilance will be taken to ensure that such mustard does not harm the environment.

Meanwhile, sowing of rabi crop has started in the country. And according to the recent statistics, the area under mustard cultivation has increased to about 56 to 57 lakh hectares in the period so far, which is about 7 to 8 lakh hectares more than this period of the previous year. However, the farmers have recently complained that the supply of various fertilisers-fertilisers is less than expected. Post Release Monitoring Committee to be constituted for GM Mustard. This committee is to be constituted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee. This will include various techniques. Government sources are claiming that vigilance is being kept by the government regarding this issue. Such seeds have to go through stringent testing stages before commercial use begins. The provisions of the Seed Act, 1966 and other related laws have to be observed. Government sources are claiming that such seeds will not affect bees, although there is controversy surrounding these claims.

Meanwhile, the country has recently witnessed a significant increase in the import of various edible oils. Market insiders said that there was an increase of around 30 to 35 percent in such imports in October alone. The oil year in the country starts from November. The oil year 2021-22 has recently ended at the end of October and in this oil year 2021-22 the total import of various edible oils in the country has increased significantly to 140 to 141 lakh tonnes which figure was 131 to 132 lakh tonnes in the oil year 2020-21. was recorded.

The country is mainly importing palm oil, soya oil, sunflower oil etc. and the market is now watching how successful the efforts to increase domestic edible oil production to reduce such imports and reduce the cost of importation. In the oil year 2021-22, the import of various edible oils has cost around 19 to 20 billion dollars. Which was about 15 to 16 billion dollars in the last oil year.