New Delhi, August : The Government of India has intensified efforts to achieve self-reliance in edible oils and pulses through two flagship programmes the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses—with early signs showing increased domestic production and reduced imports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed that the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO-OS), approved on October 3, 2024, aims to increase India's primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022–23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030–31, reducing the country's dependence on imported edible oils.

Similarly, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, launched on October 11, 2025, seeks to raise pulse production from 242 lakh tonnes to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030–31, strengthening domestic food security and farmer incomes.

Cluster-Based Model to Improve Productivity

The NMEO-OS is being implemented through a cluster-based approach integrated with market linkages. More than 600 Value Chain Clusters have been established across the country and are managed by Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, and other implementing agencies.

Under these clusters, farmers receive free high-quality seeds of newly released high-yielding varieties, technical training on modern farming practices, and support for adopting improved crop production technologies.

The mission also promotes the establishment and modernization of oil mills and post-harvest infrastructure to improve oil extraction efficiency. Productivity enhancement is being driven through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs), Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs), and Block-Level Demonstrations (BLDs).

To strengthen the seed supply chain, the Government provides 100% financial support for breeder seed procurement and has sanctioned 60 Seed Hubs and 50 specialised seed storage units to boost production and storage of quality seeds.

Expansion of Oilseed Cultivation

During 2025–26, the Government distributed free quality seeds covering 13.52 lakh hectares under Value Chain Clusters. In the ongoing Kharif 2026 season, an additional 4.44 lakh hectares have already been covered under the programme.

According to the Ministry, oilseed production increased from 413.55 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 to 430.59 lakh tonnes in 2025–26 (Third Advance Estimate).

Data from the Directorate of Sugar and Vegetable Oils also indicate that domestic availability of edible oils increased from 124.23 lakh tonnes in 2022–23 to 126.30 lakh tonnes in 2024–25, while edible oil imports declined from 165.00 lakh tonnes to 160.72 lakh tonnes during the same period.

Pulses Mission Boosts Domestic Production

Under the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, State Governments and Union Territories receive assistance for certified seed distribution, production of climate-resilient varieties, technology demonstrations, farmer training, seed kit distribution, and development of post-harvest infrastructure.

The Government has also strengthened procurement support by ensuring that Tur, Urad, and Masoor are procured from registered farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) through the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) under the PM-AASHA scheme.

During 2025–26, the mission achieved several milestones:

  • 4.79 lakh hectares covered under crop production and protection demonstrations.
  • 4.33 lakh quintals of quality seeds produced.
  • 3.10 lakh quintals of certified seeds distributed.
  • 9.25 lakh free seed kits supplied to farmers.

As a result, pulse production increased from 242.46 lakh tonnes in 2023–24 to 274.09 lakh tonnes in 2025–26 (Third Advance Estimate).

The Ministry also reported a significant decline in pulse imports, which fell from 72.56 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 to 59.64 lakh tonnes in 2025–26, indicating improved domestic production and availability.

The Government said these initiatives are expected to further strengthen India's food security, improve farmer incomes, and move the country closer to achieving self-reliance in edible oils and pulses.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.