Context:
Recently, NITI Aayog released a report titled “Pathways and Strategies for Accelerating Growth in Edible Oils Towards the Goal of Atmanirbharta”.
NITI Aayog’s Report on Edible Oils and Atmanirbharatha:
- The report from NITI Aayog outlines strategic interventions aimed at significantly increasing India’s domestic edible oil production by 43.5 million tonnes (MT) to bridge the import gap.
Key Highlights:
- Surge in Edible Oil Consumption – Per capita consumption of edible oil in India has risen to 19.7 kg/year.
- In 2022-23, India imported 16.5 million tonnes (MT) of edible oils, with domestic production fulfilling only 40-45% of the requirements.
- Projected Growth and Demand – Under a Business-As-Usual (BAU) scenario, domestic supply is expected to reach 16 MT by 2030 and 26.7 MT by 2047.
- Demand forecasts vary, with potential gaps of up to 29.5 MT by 2030 and 40 MT by 2047 under high consumption scenarios.
- The proposed strategy is structured across 3 key pillars:
- Crop Retention and Diversification – Retaining existing crops and adding new crops or cropping systems to farms4.
- Horizontal Expansion – Increasing the cultivation area for oilseeds by utilizing rice fallow lands and wastelands for crops like palm.
- Vertical Expansion – Enhancing yields through improved farming practices, better-quality seeds, and advanced production technologies.
- State-wise Quadrant Approach – Identifies state clusters for targeted interventions based on cultivation area and yield
- High Area-High Yield (HA-HY)
- High Area-Low Yield (HA-LY)
- Low Area-High Yield (LA-HY)
- Low Area-Low Yield (LA-LY)
- Recommendations –
- Emphasizes the need for robust systems, public-private partnerships, and a dynamic trade policy to support growth.
- Public awareness and consumption could encourage domestic oilseed consumption and awareness of dietary guidelines.
Source: PIB
Previous Year Question
Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’?
1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers.
2. To reduce the incidence of anemia among young children, adolescent girls and women.
3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice.
4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 3 and 4 only
Answer: (a)