National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO)

The National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO) reflects India’s strong commitment to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat by aiming to transform the edible oil sector from a highly import-dependent system to a self-reliant one. The mission seeks to reduce India’s edible oil import bill while strengthening domestic production.

About the National Mission on Edible Oils

The National Mission on Edible Oils aims to strengthen the oilseed ecosystem in India and achieve self-sufficiency in edible oil production. It focuses on improving area coverage, productivity, processing efficiency, and market linkages for oilseeds and edible oils.

Targets of the Mission

The mission has set ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030–31:

• Area under oilseeds is to increase from 29 million hectares (2022–23) to 33 million hectares.

• Primary oilseed production is targeted to rise from 39 million tonnes to 69.7 million tonnes.

• Average yield is expected to improve from 1,353 kg/ha to 2,112 kg/ha.

• Domestic edible oil production is projected to reach 25.45 million tonnes.

In addition, the mission seeks to expand oilseed cultivation by 40 lakh hectares by utilizing rice and potato fallow lands.

Two-Pronged Strategy of NMEO

The National Mission on Edible Oils follows a two-pronged approach to achieve its objectives:

1. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

Objective

NMEO-OP focuses on expanding oil palm cultivation and increasing domestic crude palm oil (CPO) production.

Key Features

• Approved in 2021 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

• Aims to enhance edible oil availability through area expansion and increased CPO production.

• Emphasizes the establishment of seed gardens and nurseries to ensure the domestic availability of quality oil palm seedlings.

Targets

• Bring 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation by 2025–26.

• Increase crude palm oil production to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029–30.

Implementation

The mission is implemented by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) as the nodal central authority.

2. National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

Objective

NMEO-Oilseeds aims to enhance productivity, seed quality, processing capacity, and market linkages for traditional oilseed crops.

Approval and Duration

• Approved in 2024.

• Implemented for a seven-year period from 2024–25 to 2030–31.

Focus Areas

The mission focuses on increasing production of major oilseed crops such as rapeseed–mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, niger, linseed, and castor.

It also seeks to improve oil extraction from secondary sources, including cottonseed, coconut, rice bran, and Tree-Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).

Implementation and Funding Pattern

• Implemented across all States and Union Territories.

• Funding pattern:

  • 60:40 for general States, Delhi, and Puducherry.

  • 90:10 for North-Eastern and hill States.

  • 100% central funding for Union Territories and Central Agencies.

Significance of the Mission

The National Mission on Edible Oils is significant for:

• Reducing India’s dependence on edible oil imports.

• Enhancing farmers’ incomes through diversified cropping patterns.

• Strengthening food and nutritional security.

• Advancing the national goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Conclusion

The National Mission on Edible Oils, through its integrated focus on oil palm expansion and oilseed productivity, represents a comprehensive strategy to achieve self-reliance in edible oil production. Strengthening domestic production under this mission is essential for building a resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient agricultural economy.