India’s Struggle for Edible Oil Self-Sufficiency: Oilseed Production dips by 4% in Kharif 2024.

India , One of the world largest Edible Oil Importer’s, dream towards Self- Sustainability, remains as a dream for this Kharif season, 2024. According to Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare,Final Estimates of major agricultural crops for 2023-24, where Overall Oil seeds production has been decreased by 1,686 thousand tonne, last year the production was estimated at 41,355 thousand tonne, in comparison with 39,669 thousand tonne this year, where 4 % decreased has been noted
This year, India’s oilseed production has been dropped compared to last year, unfavorable weather conditions has lowered yields in the major crops such as soybeans, groundnut and Sunflower Seeds, particularly heavy and irregular rainfall in major oilseed-growing regions such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Recent heavy rainfall caused waterlogging in fields and slowed agricultural operations. Soybeans, one of India’s key oilseed crops, have been particularly damaged, with losses reported in various states. Farmers struggled to handle surplus water and even Harvested Soybean crop is also affected by the fugus, due to high mositure accumulation.
As the climate becomes more unpredictable, resolving these difficulties will be critical to sustaining oilseed production in the future. Improved water management, crop insurance, and climate-resilient farming methods are more important than ever in assisting farmers to navigate the effects of extreme weather.