The National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) was approved on 3^rd October, 2024 to boost domestic oilseed production and to strive towards self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in edible oils. The mission aims to increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31.

 

The NMEO-OS is implemented through a cluster-based approach. Over 600 Value Chain Cluster have been identified across the country which is managed by Value Chain Partners such as Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and other agencies. Under these clusters, farmers are provided free high-quality seeds of latest high yielding varieties and training on good agricultural practices. The mission supports the establishment and upgradation of post-harvest infrastructure (oil mills) to improve oil recovery from primary and secondary sources.

 

The mission strengthens availability of certified seeds through 100% support for purchase of breeder seeds, establishment of new seed hubs and specialised seed storage units in the public sector to enhance production and storage capacity.

 

The mission focuses on improving productivity through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs), Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) and Block-Level Demonstrations (BLDs) to help farmers adopt latest varieties and good agricultural practices.

 

Oilseed production has increased from 39.67 million tonnes in 2023-24 to 43.06 million tonnes in 2025-26 (3^rd Advance Estimate, DA&FW). Under the mission, 13.52 lakh hectares were covered under free seed distribution in Value Chain Clusters during 2025-26, against the annual target of 10.00 lakh hectares. 60 Seed Hubs & 50 specialized seed storage units have been sanctioned for production of Breeder Seed of recently released varieties.

 

As reported by the Directorate of Sugar & Vegetable Oils, Department of Food and Public Distribution, India imported 160.72 lakh tonnes of edible oils during 2024–25. Of this, 75.17 lakh tonnes comprised palm oil, accounting for 46.77% of the total edible oil imports.

 

The Government of India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation, with special focus on North Eastern States. The Mission is being implemented in 15 States. The mission provides comprehensive support to farmers, including assistance for high quality planting materials, inputs for intercropping and maintenance during the four year gestation period. There is also a provision for replanting of old and unproductive plantations. The mission supports farm machinery, irrigation facilities, seed gardens, nurseries and Custom Hiring Centres. The North Eastern States are provided financial assistance for setting up oil palm processing mills.

 

From 2021-22 to 2025-26, 2.73 lakh hectares was brought under oil palm cultivation, taking the cumulative area to 6.40 lakh hectares as on 31.03.2026. During this period, 114.66 lakh tonnes of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) were harvested, resulting in the production of 20.10 lakh tonnes of Crude Palm Oil (CPO). At present, 27 oil palm processing mills are operational across the country. The Mission provides Viability Gap Payment (VGP) to support oil palm growers. As on date, ₹18.90 crore has been disbursed to 9,244 oil palm farmers in Goa, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Mizoram under this provision.

 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare SHRI RAMNATH THAKUR in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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