National Edible Oil-Oilseeds Mission: Free Oilseed Seeds for Farmers

The Indian government has launched the National Edible Oil-Oilseeds Mission to boost oilseed production and reduce the dependency on imports. Under this mission, farmers will receive free advanced seeds for growing oilseed crops like soybean, mustard, groundnut, sunflower, and sesame.

Also Read: Rs 2398 Crore Subsidy Transferred to Soybean and Cotton Farmers

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Free Seeds for Farmers: Farmers will be provided with advanced climate-friendly seeds for free, enabling better crop yields.
• Mission Duration: The scheme will run for seven years, from 2024-25 to 2030-31, covering 347 districts in 21 states.
• Budget: The central government has allocated ₹10,103 crore to implement this mission.

Government Assistance for Farmers

The mission aims to support farmers by providing multiple benefits, including:

• Micro-irrigation: Improved irrigation systems.
• Agricultural Machinery: Access to modern farming tools.
• Crop Insurance: Coverage to protect against crop loss.
• Beekeeping: Support to promote pollination.
• Agricultural Loans: Easier access to financial assistance.

Additionally, processing units will receive financial aid through the Agri Infra Fund. Farmer’s producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and private industries will also be supported in improving seed collection and oil processing units.

Also Read: Mustard, Carrot, Radish, and Spinach: Farmers Can Do This for Better Yields

Impact on Oilseed Sowing

Due to increased efforts, the sowing of oilseed crops has seen a rise. In the 2024 Kharif season, oilseed crops were sown over 193.84 lakh hectares, which is about 3 lakh hectares more than the previous year. Crops like soybean, groundnut, and sunflower were planted more, while sesame and castor saw a slight decrease.

India's Dependence on Edible Oil Imports

India is a major importer of edible oil, with around 165 lakh tonnes imported in the 2022-23 financial year. Currently, only 40-45% of edible oil is produced domestically, while the rest is imported. Last year, India spent ₹1,23078 crore on edible oil imports.

Also Read: Registration Date Extended for Selling Paddy, Jowar, and Millet at MSP

Benefits of the Mission

The National Edible Oil-Oilseeds Mission will increase oilseed production, making India more self-reliant. The government's goal is to raise oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31. This will reduce the need for imports, saving the country significant money. Farmers will also benefit from free seeds, better facilities, and higher prices for their oilseed crops.

Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Oilseeds

The government has announced the minimum support prices for oilseed crops in 2024-25 as follows:

• Soybean (yellow): ₹4,892 per quintal
• Groundnut: ₹6,783 per quintal
• Sunflower: ₹7,280 per quintal
• Nigerseed: ₹8,717 per quintal
• Sesame: ₹9,267 per quintal

By increasing oilseed production, this mission will not only help farmers but also strengthen India's agriculture economy.

Also Read: Lado Laxmi Yojana: Haryana Women to Receive ₹2100 Every Month

CMV360 Says

The National Edible Oil-Oilseeds Mission is a crucial step toward self-sufficiency in edible oil production. By providing free seeds and support to farmers, the scheme will boost oilseed yields, reduce import dependency, and benefit the economy while ensuring better income opportunities for farmers across India.