YMAM Desk
New Delhi, July 29, 2025:
The union government said today that it is implementing the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) to boost domestic oilseed production and strive towards self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramnath Thakur explained that the mission aims to enhance production of primary oilseed crops such as Rapeseed & Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesame, Safflower, Niger, Linseed, and Castor, along with improving collection and extraction efficiency from secondary sources like cottonseed, coconut, rice bran, and Tree-Borne Oilseeds (TBOs).
Research and Development Initiatives
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) collaborates with central and state agricultural universities under five All India Coordinated Research Projects to develop location-specific high-yielding varieties of nine oilseed crops. Two flagship projects focus on hybrid development and gene editing for high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties.
Over the last 11 years (2014-2025), 432 high-yielding varieties/hybrids for nine annual oilseeds have been notified for commercial cultivation, including 104 varieties of Rapeseed-Mustard, 95 of Soybean, and 69 of Groundnut.
Seed Production and Farmer Support
During the last five years (2019-20 to 2023-24), approximately 1,53,704 quintals of breeder seed of indented varieties were produced and supplied for certified seed production. ICAR also promotes availability of quality certified seeds through district-level seed hubs.
NMEO-OS has identified over 600 Value Chain Clusters covering more than 10 lakh hectares annually. Managed by Value Chain Partners including Farmer Producer Organizations and cooperatives, the clusters provide free high-quality seeds, training in Good Agricultural Practices, and advisory services on weather and pest management.
The mission also supports post-harvest infrastructure to increase efficiency of oilseed collection, extraction, and recovery, alongside awareness campaigns promoting healthier edible oil consumption.
Crop Insurance Coverage
During the 2024-25 season, a variety of oilseed crops have been included under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for crop insurance coverage across 16 states. This extensive crop and state-wise inclusion under PMFBY helps protect oilseed farmers from natural calamities and financial risks, supporting sustained production growth and stability in the sector.