Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh today chaired the first meeting of Executive Committee on National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOP). He informed that export of oilseeds constitutes largest component in agriculture sector. During 2012-13 foreign exchange worth Rs. 23681 crore was earned from export of oilseeds which stood at 63 lakh tonnes. This included 48.56 lakh tonnes of oil cakes, 9 lakh tonnes oilseeds and 6 lakh tonnes of oil. He said that soyabean constitutes more than 50% of total exports. Cultivation of soyabean has changed the economic condition of farmers of States of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. However, country has to import edible oil worth Rs. 60,000 crore to fill in the gap of demand and supply which is a big challenge for all of us.
Radha Mohan Singh said that due to delayed rains sowing of oilseeds has registered a decrease of 20 lakh hectare as compared to last year. However, due to recent rains, hope of sowing coverage for oilseeds crops during rabi sowing has been raised. He further said that cultivation of rapeseeds/mustard is more beneficial than wheat in rain fed areas in northeastern states like Assam, Chattisgarh, Eastern UP and Bihar where a large area remains unutilized after paddy crop. Similarly in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra crops of linseed and safflower can be cultivated after kharif sowing.
Singh further said that in northern States like Haryana, Punjab, Western UP and Bihar there is good potential for sunflower crop after rabi sowing. During rabi crop area under cultivation of groundnut can be increased in States of Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The Minister further added that oilseeds crops can be cultivated very easily as an inter crop. This will not only increase farmers’ income but also raise their socio-economic level and will lead to less dependence on import of edible oil. Singh added that an expert committee has expressed potential for cultivation of oil palm in northeastern states and we have to make efforts for its exploitation. He urged all participant States to send proposal for rabi sowing so that necessary action for providing additional resources in case of urgency may be taken by Ministry of Agriculture.