Dynamics of oilseeds and edible oils sector in India-An impact analysis of trade liberalization

Oilseeds occupy the prime position next to cereals on crop map of India and had golden age between the late eighties and early nineties. In last two decades, all the oilseeds except soyabean experienced negative growth in area led to stagnant or decreasing domestic production of oilseeds in the country. Consequently, today India is importing more than half of its annual edible oils demand which is driven by the ever increasing population and urbanization over the period of time. To become self-sufficient, either it is required to improve the national oilseeds productivity or shift to better alternative crops with higher oil content like palm (4 ton ha⁻¹). The present study offers the meaningful insights into the changing oilseeds and edible oils scenario in India.