Agriculture Current Affairs 2025 January

The Cabinet has approved the continuation of PMFBY and RWBCIS till 2025-26

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the PM Modi, has approved to continue the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) till 2025-26 with an overall outlay of Rs. 69,515.71 Crore from 2021 to 22 to 2025-26.

The continuation of the schemes will provide farmers with risk coverage for crops from unavoidable natural disasters until 2025-26.

Note: The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments. The ratio is 50:50 in normal states and 90:10 in the case of northeastern states. Exclusions: Losses due to war and related dangers, nuclear risks, riots, malicious damage, theft, act of enmity, grazed and/or destroyed by domestic and/or wild animals, and harvested crop bundled and heaped at a place before threshing in case of post-harvest losses.

About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):

The PMFBY scheme was launched in 2016 with an aim of providing affordable risk coverage for the crops to the farmers in case of crop failure.

• It is monitored by the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and the concerned State in coordination with various other agencies.
• Objective: ‘One Nation, One Crop, One Premium’

Risks Covered:

1. Cover yields losses from non-preventable risks, such as natural fire and lightning storms, hailstorms, cyclones, typhoons, tempest, hurricanes, tornados, etc.
2. The farmers of a notified area, willing to sow/plant crops but are prevented from sowing/planting due to bad weather conditions, will be provided with claims up to a maximum of 25% of the sum insured.
3. Insurance is provided up to a maximum period of 14 days from harvesting for those crops which are kept in “cut & spread” condition to dry in the field after harvesting.

Insurance against localized risks, i.e. hailstorm, landslide, and inundation affecting isolated farms in the notified area.

Note:

• The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments. In the ratio of 50:50 in normal states and 90:10 in the case of north-eastern states.

Exclusions:

• Losses due to war and related dangers, nuclear risks, riots, malicious damage, theft, act of enmity, grazed and/or destroyed by domestic and/or wild animals
• Harvested crop bundled and heaped at a place before threshing in case of post-harvest losses

Cabinet Approves Setting Up of the FIAT

The Union Cabinet has approved the creation of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with an outlay of Rs. 824.77 crore for the integration of advanced technologies in insurance schemes.

• The fund will be used to make technological improvements in schemes like YES-TECH, WINDS, etc., as well as for Research and Development (R&D) studies.

Key Facts:

Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH):

1. Uses Remote Sensing Technology for estimating yields, with a minimum 30% weightage to technology-based yield estimates.
2. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has adopted 100% technology-based yield estimation.

States implementing YES-TECH:

• Andhra Pradesh (AP)
• Assam
• Haryana
• Uttar Pradesh (UP)
• Madhya Pradesh (MP)
• Maharashtra
• Odisha
• Tamil Nadu (TN)
• Karnataka

Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS):

• Involves setting up of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at block level and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs) at panchayat level.
• Implementation of WINDS to assist state governments will begin in 2024-25.

Cabinet Approves Extension of Special Package for DAP Subsidy

The Union Cabinet has approved extending the time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) at Rs. 3,500 per metric ton (MT) for the period from 1st January 2025 till further orders to provide DAP to farmers at affordable prices.

It would be allotted a tentative budget of approximately up to Rs. 3,850 crore.

Note:

DAP is one of the most widely used fertilizers globally, providing essential nutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for plant growth.

Key Points:

Subsidized P&K Fertilizers:

Farmers are provided subsidized prices for 28 grades of Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers through fertilizer manufacturers/importers.

Previous Approval:

This once-in-a-lifetime special package was earlier approved from 1st April to 31st December 2024 with an outlay of around Rs. 2,625 crore.

Cabinet Approves MoU on Trade of NBWR Between India and Indonesia

Key Points:

MoU Approval

• The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), Government of India (GoI) and the Ministry of Trade, Indonesia with an aim to trade one million metric tons (MT) of Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) annually based on production and international prices.

Duration of MoU

• The MoU will last four years and be automatically extended for another four years.

iii. Implementation

• It will be implemented by New Delhi (Delhi)-based National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), authorized by the MoC.

About NCEL:

• NCEL is a cooperative society established in 2023 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
• The initial paid-up capital of NCEL is Rs. 500 Cr, with a contribution of Rs. 100 Cr each by the five promoters.
• The authorized share capital of NCEL is Rs. 2,000 Cr.

CCEA Approves Rs. 5,650 per Quintal MSP for Raw Jute for the 2025-26 Season

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs. 5,650 per quintal for raw jute (TD-3 grade) for the marketing season 2025-26.

• This marks an increase of nearly 6% (Rs. 315 per quintal) compared to the last marketing season (2024-25).
• This increase in MSP for raw jute would ensure a return of 66.8% over the all-India weighted average cost of production.

Key Points:

MSP Calculation Based on 1.5x Production Cost

• The new approved MSP for raw jute aligns with the principle of fixing MSP at a level of minimum 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production, as announced by the Government of India (GoI) in the Union Budget for FY19 (2018-19).

MSP Growth Over the Years

• The GoI has increased the MSP of raw jute by 2.35 times (Rs. 3,250 per quintal), from Rs. 2,400 per quintal (in 2014-15 season) to Rs. 5,650 per quintal (2024-25 season).

Increase in MSP Payments to Jute Farmers

• The Government revealed that the MSP amount paid to jute-growing farmers from 2014-15 to 2024-25 was Rs. 1,300 crore, compared to Rs. 441 crore paid from 2004-05 to 2013-14.

Note:

• Kolkata (West Bengal, WB)-based Jute Corporation of India (JCI) will continue to act as the nodal agency to undertake Price Support Operations.
• Any losses incurred in these operations will be completely reimbursed by the GoI.

Government Launches PLI Scheme 1.1 for Specialty Steel to Boost Domestic Production

Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy, launched the second round of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, termed as PLI Scheme 1.1, on 6th January 2025 at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

PLI Scheme 1.1 – Key Details:

• Application Period: 6th January – 31st January 2025
• Allocated Funds: ₹6,322 crore (already assigned in the first round)
• Implementation Period: FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30

Key Highlights of PLI Scheme 1.1:

The PLI Scheme 1.1 has been introduced for 5 product categories:

• Coated / Plated Steel Products
• High Strength / Wear-resistant Steel
• Specialty Rails
• Alloy Steel Products & Steel Wires
• Electrical Steel

The investment and capacity creation thresholds for Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) steel have been reduced to ₹3,000 crore and 50,000 tonnes to encourage more participation.

Background: First Round of PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel (2021)

Launched: July 2021 by the Ministry of Steel (MoS) with a budgetary outlay of ₹6,322 crore.

Project Details:

• 44 active projects by 26 companies.
• Investment committed: ₹27,106 crore.
• Downstream capacity creation: 24 million tons.
• Investment made (as of November 2024): ₹18,300 crore.

About PLI Scheme:

Launched: March 2020.

Objective:

• Boost India’s manufacturing capabilities.
• Reduce import dependency.
• Promote exports through financial incentives based on higher production and incremental sales.

Industries Covered:

Initially launched for three industries:

1. Mobile Manufacturing and Electronic Components
2. Pharmaceutical (Critical Key Starting Materials / Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients – APIs)
3. Medical Device Manufacturing

Later extended to 14 sectors with a total budgetary outlay of ₹1.97 trillion:

1. Mobile Manufacturing and Specified Electronic Components
2. Critical Key Starting Materials / Drug Intermediaries & APIs
3. Manufacturing of Medical Devices
4. Automobiles and Auto Components
5. Pharmaceutical Drugs
6. Specialty Steel
7. Telecom & Networking Products
8. Electronic / Technology Products
9. White Goods (ACs and LEDs)
10. Food Products
11. Textile Products: MMF Segment and Technical Textiles
12. High Efficiency Solar PV Modules
13. Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery
14. Drones and Drone Components

Impact of PLI Scheme (as of August 2024):

• Total Investment Utilized: ₹1.46 lakh crore
• Boost in Production & Sales: ₹12.50 lakh crore
• Employment Generation: 9.5 lakh jobs (direct & indirect)

Ministry of Steel – Leadership

• Union Minister: Haradanahalli Devegowda Kumaraswamy (Mandya, Karnataka)
• Minister of State (MoS): Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma (Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh)

India’s Rubber Board Unveils ‘iSNR’ & ‘INR Konnect’ to Boost Rubber Production

Event Details:

• Date: January 2025
• Location: Kottayam, Kerala
• Occasion: Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947 & Rubber Growers’ Conference
• Organized by: Rubber Board (RB) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I)
• Objective: Strengthening India’s global rubber industry position & boosting domestic production

Key Announcements:

1. Launch of iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber)
2. Introduction of INR Konnect Platform
3. Awards for Top Performers of mRube (Digital Marketing Platform for Natural Rubber)

About iSNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber):

Objective: Align Indian rubber production with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards.

Key Features:

1. 1. iSNR Traceability Certification: Ensures the origin of rubber and its compliance with EUDR regulations.
   2. Market Access: Helps Indian rubber producers enter the European Union (EU) market.

About INR Konnect:

Objective: Connect owners of untapped rubber plantations with adopters to increase productivity.

Key Features:

• Web-Based Platform: Certifies the credibility of parties involved.
• Training & Support: Provides training in production management & sustainable practices.

Significance: Addresses 20-25% of untapped rubber plantations in India, affected by:

• Low Prices
• High Production Costs
• Neglect by Absentee Landlords

Background: The Rubber Act, 1947

• Enacted: 1947 to regulate & develop India’s rubber industry under Union Government control.
• Amendments: Updated several times to adapt to industry needs.

Key Dignitaries at the Event:

• George Kurian – Union Minister of State (MoS), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) & Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA)
• M. Vasanthagesan (IRS) – Executive Director (ED), Rubber Board (RB)
• T. Siju – Rubber Production Commissioner, Rubber Board

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Inaugurates ‘Entrepreneurship Development Conclave’ in Pune

Event Details:

• Date: January 2025
• Location: G.D. Madgulkar Natyagruha, Pune, Maharashtra
• Organizer: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), under MoFAHD
• Theme: “Empowering Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock Economies”

Objective: To bring together key policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the livestock sector to boost innovation & economic growth.

Key Dignitaries Present:

• Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) – Union Minister, MoFAHD & MoPR
• Satya Pal Singh Baghel – Union MoS, MoFAHD & MoPR
• George Kurian – Union MoS, MoFAHD & MoMA
• Ajit Pawar – Deputy Chief Minister, Maharashtra
• Pankaja Pradnya Munde – Minister for Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Maharashtra

Key Announcements & Launches:

Launch of 40 Projects Worth ₹545.04 Crore

• 20 projects under National Livestock Mission (NLM).
• 20 projects under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
• Two Compendiums showcasing success stories of AHIDF & NLM beneficiaries were released.

Introduction of NLM-EDP Dashboard

• Provides organized project information to the public.
• Updated NLM Operational Guidelines 2.0 & a success story compilation were also launched.

Awards & Recognitions

• Top-performing states in AHIDF: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
• Top-performing states in Entrepreneurship Programme: Karnataka, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh.

Recognized Banks for Credit Support:

• Canara Bank
• State Bank of India (SBI)
• HDFC Bank

‘Animal Husbandry & Animal Welfare Month’ (Jan 14 – Feb 13)

A month-long awareness campaign & educational activities across India.

Panel Discussions on:

• Growth in the Livestock Sector: Entrepreneurship, Processing & Opportunities.
• Role of Banks & MSMEs in Credit Facilitation for the Livestock Industry.

About Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF):

• Launched: 2020, under Atmanirbhar Bharat Package.
• Objective: Supports projects in dairy & meat processing, feed production, & veterinary infrastructure.
• Total Outlay: ₹17,296 crore.
• Approved Projects: 362 projects worth ₹10,356.90 crore.
• Interest Subvention Released: ₹247.69 crore.

About National Livestock Mission (NLM):

• Launched: 2014-15, realigned in 2021-22.
• Total Outlay: ₹2,300 crore.

Three Sub-Missions:

1. Breed Improvement of Livestock & Poultry.
2. Feed & Fodder Development.
3. Innovation & Extension Initiatives.

Seven Products from Andaman & Nicobar Islands Granted GI Tags

Date: December 2024
Issued By: GI Registry, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (DPIIT, MoC&I)
Key Contributor: NABARD (Vijayapuram, AP) in collaboration with local organizations

Seven Products Granted GI Tags:

Nicobari Mat (Chatrai-hileuoi)

• • Made from sun-dried screw pine leaves.
  • Used for sleeping, sitting, and festivals.

Nicobari Hut (Chanvi Pati – Nyi hupul)

• • Made from local materials like cane, sticks, and planks.
  • Dome-shaped for stability & temperature regulation.

Nicobari Hodi Craft

• • Traditional outrigger canoe of Nicobari tribe.
  • Made using local trees/materials.

Padauk Wood Craft

• • Furniture made from ornamental Padauk wood.
  • Low carbon footprint due to recyclable wood waste.

Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil)

• • Pure, chemical-free virgin coconut oil.
  • Extracted from fresh coconut meat & milk.

Andaman & Nicobar Coconut

• • Indigenous coconut high in genetic diversity.
  • Crucial for local economy & ecology.

Andaman Karen Musley Rice

• • Traditional rice variety cultivated by Karen community.
  • 50% of island’s rice fields still use traditional varieties.

Key Points:

• First time a single Union Territory has received 7 GI tags at once.
• Total GI tags in India (as of Dec 2024): 658
• Total GI filings in India: 1,408
• Coordinated by: Human Welfare Association (HWA), led by Padma awardee Rajani Kant (“GI Man of India”)

About GI Registry, Chennai

• Established: 2003
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chhattisgarh: India’s 1st State to Integrate Forest Ecosystems into Green GDP

In January 2024, Chhattisgarh became the first state in India to introduce an innovative plan that connects the ecosystem services of its forest with the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).

• The initiative aims to directly link the environmental contributions of forests like clean air, water conservation, biodiversity and the state’s economic progress.
• It aligns with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India 2047’.
• Chhattisgarh, where forests cover 44% of the land, relies on its rich natural resources to support the livelihoods of millions.

Key Points:

Forests play a dual role in Chhattisgarh’s economy and environment, significantly boosting the rural economy through products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants, while also helping combat climate change by acting as carbon sinks.

The action plan seeks to balance economic growth with environmental conservation to protect the ecosystem for future generations.

By linking these benefits to Green GDP, Chhattisgarh aims to improve budget planning and promote policies for sustainable development.

It recognizes the key benefits of forests, like climate regulation, soil enrichment, water purification, and carbon absorption, and incorporates these into the state’s economic planning.

Scientists will evaluate the essential ecosystem services of forests to estimate their economic value accurately. This involves:

• • Clean Air: The amount of Carbon-di-oxide (CO₂) absorbed by trees and converted into oxygen will be quantified, and its market value will be included in the Green GDP.
  • Water Conservation: The economic impact of water supplied by forests through rivers and springs will be calculated.
  • Biodiversity: The role of forest fauna, including animals, birds, and insects, in maintaining ecological balance and supporting agriculture will be assessed.

About Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP):

1. Green GDP is a metric for measuring economic growth that takes into account the environmental costs of economic activities.
2. Green GDP Calculation: When calculating Green GDP, the environmental and social costs associated with economic development are taken into account.

100 Odisha Villages to Receive Direct Funds for Forest Protection under CFR Plans Approved by MoTA

In January 2025, the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for 100 villages in phase-I under the Forest Right (FRA) Act, 2006.

• This number is less than the Odisha government’s proposal to implement it in 400 villages of the state.
• With this approval, as many as 100 villages of Odisha will receive funds directly in the bank accounts of Gram Sabhas instead of Gram Panchayats for the first time to carry out forest protection, management, and convergence works in respective community lands.

Key Points:

The state government will receive Rs 16 crore for the development and execution of CFR management plans for 100 villages.

The State will prioritize these CFR plans based on Minor Forest Produce (MFP) availability, preparedness of the plans, community and gram sabha participation, and the setup of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Gram Sabhas of villages are entrusted with the responsibility to carry out tree plantations and prepare need-based development plans.

Each village will receive Rs 15 lakh per annum, which will be directly deposited into the bank account of the respective gram sabha. Also, technical agencies will receive Rs 1 lakh for developing management plans.

CFR management plan proposed in various districts of the state:

• Mayurbhanj
• Balasore
• Keonjhar
• Sambalpur
• Nayagarh
• Kandhamal
• Koraput
• Malkangiri
• Dhenkanal
• Bargarh

Note:

• As per MoTA, Maharashtra topped among states in recognizing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), with 8,661 villages granted titles as of November 2024, followed by Chhattisgarh (4,328 titles) and Odisha (3,659 titles).

Chhattisgarh Launches ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ for Landless Labourers

On January 20, 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai launched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ scheme in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

• The scheme aims to provide financial support to landless agricultural labourer families, helping them improve their net income and enhance their overall quality of life.

About Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana:

1. The scheme was designed to provide financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to landless agricultural labourers, Baigas, Gunias, and other landless families in the state.
2. The scheme benefits 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers across Chhattisgarh, and a total of Rs 562 crore has been allocated to support these beneficiaries.
3. This initiative also includes forest produce collectors, shepherds, carpenters, blacksmiths, cobblers, barbers, washermen, and other landless families connected with the Pauni-Pasari system.
4. The scheme also extends to tribal temple worshippers like Pujari, Baiga, Gunia, and Majhi families in scheduled areas.

Key Points:

1. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai also participated in the ‘Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan’ program in Raipur and laid the foundation stone for 813 works worth Rs 155.38 crore.
2. He also inaugurated 70 works worth Rs 15.25 crore in various urban bodies of the state.
3. Additionally, he laid the foundation stone for water supply schemes worth Rs 270 crore under Amrit Mission-2.0 in 6 urban bodies.

IIT Madras and MoA&FW Collaborate on Project VISTAAR to Digitalize Agricultural Extension

On January 2, 2025, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Chennai (Tamil Nadu), partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) to launch the Project Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (VISTAAR) to revolutionize the agricultural extension system through digitalization for farmers across India.

• This project enables farmers and stakeholders in agriculture to access high-quality advisory services related to crop production, marketing, value addition, supply chain management, and government schemes.
• The VISTAAR platform will bridge the gap between innovations and farmers, ensuring wide adoption and impact.

Key Features of the Collaboration:

Integration with Start-ups:

• The MoA&FW and IIT Madras signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enrich the VISTAAR platform by integrating information about start-ups in the agriculture and allied sectors.
• These start-ups provide innovative solutions that can make farming more sustainable and climate-resilient.

Startup Information:

• The Centre for Research on Startups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras, alongside its incubated startup YNOS Venture Engine, has developed an extensive database of over 12,000 startups connected to the agriculture and farming industries.
• This platform will give farmers direct access to these resources, empowering them with new technologies and insights.

Innovation in Agriculture:

• Connecting farmers with innovative technologies from start-ups to help make agriculture more sustainable and climate-resilient.

Government Schemes Access:

• To provide farmers with information about various government schemes, making it easier for them to access benefits related to agricultural development and rural welfare.

Digitalization of Agricultural Extension:

• Farmers will benefit from a digital extension system, ensuring timely and accurate information on crop management, value-added services, and relevant government schemes.

MoA&FW Conducts India’s First Edible Oil Consumption Survey

On January 9, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) launched India’s first-ever edible oil consumption survey on the “My Gov” portal to assess edible oil consumption patterns across the country.

• This initiative supports the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) and addresses the lack of recent data on edible oil consumption in India, the world’s largest consumer and importer of edible oils.
• The 45-day survey, which began on January 9, 2025, will continue until February 23, 2025.

About India’s First Edible, Oil Consumption Survey

Objective:

• To analyze household consumption patterns, choices, and preferences for edible oils and provide data-driven insights for policy-making.

Survey Data Collection:

• Demographic details: Domicile, residence type.
• Oil usage patterns: Type of oils, deep-frying frequency, seasonal variations.
• Factors influencing choices: Health benefits, cost, awareness of trans fats, opinions on oil reuse, and packaged food concerns.
• Consumer behavior analysis: Responses to advertisements, label reading habits, and willingness to pay for healthier oil options.

Policy Impact:

• The survey results will help in identifying priority oilseeds under NMEO-Oilseeds, guiding strategies for the upcoming kharif (summer) season starting in July 2025.

Significance of the Survey

Industry data shows India’s per capita annual consumption (PCAC) of edible oil has surpassed 20 kg, exceeding recommended limits:

• ICMR recommendation: 12 kg
• WHO recommendation: 13 kg

Comparison over time:

• 1950-60: 2.9 kg per capita
• 2025: 20+ kg per capita

Reasons for increased consumption: Higher incomes, urbanization, and changing dietary habits.

India’s Import of Edible Oils

Current Import Status:

• India imports 55-60% of its edible oil needs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.
• 2023-24 oil marketing year: Edible oil imports totaled 15.96 million tonnes (MT).

Import Trends & Projections:

• According to the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India, edible oil imports in 2023-24 (Nov–Oct) declined by 3% to 15.96 MT, valued at ₹1,31,967 crore (USD 15.9 billion).
• SEA projects further reduction to 15 MT in 2024-25.

About National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

Launch & Objectives:

• Launched in October 2024 by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under MoA&FW.
• Aims to increase oilseed production and reduce import dependence.

Key Focus Areas:

• Major oilseeds: Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum.
• Secondary sources: Cottonseed, Rice Bran, Tree Borne Oils.
• SATHI Portal: Ensures real-time seed authentication and inventory tracking for timely seed availability.

Mission Duration & Goals:

• Implementation period: 2024-25 to 2030-31 (7 years).

Financial outlay: ₹10,103 crore.

Target oilseed production increase:

• 2022-23: 39 MT
• 2030-31: 69.7 MT

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)

• Union Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Constituency: Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh)
• Minister of State (MoS): Ram Nath Thakur (Rajya Sabha: Bihar)