Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday stressed the need to accelerate domestic edible oil production under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), saying it is crucial for reducing India’s import dependence, conserving foreign exchange and strengthening food security.
Chairing a review meeting on the implementation of the mission at New Abhishek Hall in Lok Bhavan, the Governor said India continues to import a substantial quantity of edible oil despite being an agriculture-based country, resulting in a significant outflow of foreign exchange. Increasing domestic production, he said, would strengthen the national economy and enhance self-reliance.
Calling the mission a key component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, the Governor said greater domestic edible oil production would improve economic stability while protecting the country from global supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in international edible oil prices.
Highlighting the advantages of oil palm cultivation, he said the crop yields four to five times more oil per unit area than conventional oilseed crops and remains productive for nearly 30 years, ensuring a stable and long-term income for farmers. He noted that the mission provides support for quality planting material, irrigation, processing infrastructure, assured procurement, marketing and scientific extension services.
Referring to Odisha’s favourable agro-climatic conditions and vast cultivable land, the Governor said the state has the potential to become a major contributor to India’s edible oil self-sufficiency. He said the cluster-based implementation strategy adopted by the state government, in collaboration with district administrations, research institutions and empanelled private partners, could help develop a sustainable oil palm ecosystem while improving rural livelihoods.
The Governor said the mission would help diversify cropping patterns, generate rural employment, promote agro-based industries, attract private investment and create opportunities in processing, logistics and marketing, leading to higher and more stable incomes for farmers.
Emphasising effective implementation, he called for time-bound achievement of targets, capacity building of farmers, expansion of processing infrastructure and wider adoption of modern technology to ensure that all eligible farmers benefit from the scheme.
During the meeting, the Governor reviewed the subsidies being provided to farmers and discussed measures to promote oil palm cultivation. He also interacted with representatives of palm oil companies on the challenges in expanding cultivation and implementing the mission.
The Governor further suggested increasing the production of other oilseeds and pulses and promoting electric vehicles and solar energy to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, presented a detailed overview of the implementation of NMEO-OP in Odisha. Director of Horticulture Kalunge Gorakh Waman delivered the welcome address, while Deputy Director Geetashri Parhi proposed the vote of thanks. Senior officials of the Agriculture Department, representatives of palm oil companies and Lok Bhavan officials attended the meeting.
