Genetically Modified (GM) Edible Oils For Self-Sufficiency

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• Recently, a member of NITI Aayog has advocated for India to embrace GM edible oils to boost self-sufficiency, citing significant yield improvements seen in the US and China.

Importance of Edible Oils in the India’s Economy

• India is one of the world’s largest producers of oilseeds, making oilseeds and edible oils among the most essential agricultural commodities in the country.
• India produces a variety of edible oils such as mustard, groundnut, soyabean, sunflower, safflower, and coconut oil etc.
  • It contributes about 5-6% of the world’s oilseeds production.
• The production is concentrated in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Total consumption stood at around 25.5 million tonnes, leading to a deficit that is bridged through imports. It includes:
  • Palm oil: 37% (approximate)
  • Soybean: 20% (approximate)
  • Mustard: 14% (approximate)
  • Sunflower: 13% (approximate)

Dependence on Imports

• Currently, India imports 55-60% of its edible oil requirements from countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
• In the 2023-24 oil marketing year, India’s edible oil imports reached approximately 15.96 million tonnes.
  • Palm oil: Largest share, from Indonesia and Malaysia
  • Soybean oil: From Argentina and Brazil
  • Sunflower oil: Primarily from Ukraine and Russia

Government Initiatives

• National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): It aims to increase oil palm cultivation from 3.7 lakh hectares to 10 lakh hectares by 2025-26.
  • It offers financial assistance to farmers for planting material, irrigation, and inputs.
• National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds: India aims to boost the domestic oilseed production to 70 million tonnes by 2030-31 from the current 39 million tonnes.
• Price Stabilization Fund: It aimed at cushioning the impact of volatile international prices on consumers.
  • It helps state agencies procure and distribute edible oils at controlled prices.
• Import Duty Adjustments: The government frequently tweaks import duties on edible oils to control retail inflation.
• Promotion of Oilseed Cultivation: Programs like NFSM-Oilseeds provide seeds, technical support, and extension services to farmers.
• Public Distribution System (PDS) Support: Edible oils are supplied at subsidized rates through PDS, especially during periods of high inflation.

Case for GM Edible Oils in India

• Boosting Productivity: India’s soybean yield has remained stagnant for decades, while countries like the United States and China have significantly increased their yields by adopting GM technology.
  • It is estimated that GM crops could double or increase yields by 70-80%, making India more competitive in the global market.
• Reducing Import Dependency: India imports approximately 16 million tonnes of edible oils annually, a significant burden on its economy.
  • By embracing GM edible oils, India could reduce its reliance on imports and enhance food security.
• Global Trends: Countries like the U.S. and China have successfully implemented GM technology without reported adverse effects, setting a precedent for India to follow.

Source: ET