India: Edible oil imports ease as IVPA accelerates India’s self-sufficiency push

India’s edible oil sector is entering a pivotal phase as imports show signs of decline, prompting the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) to intensify its campaign for domestic self-sufficiency.

At its 48th Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi on September 30, 2025, IVPA leaders emphasized the urgency of reducing reliance on foreign supplies amid global price volatility and shifting trade dynamics.

The association, which represents India’s edible oil refining industry, highlighted that the country’s vegetable oil imports; primarily palm and soybean oils, have stabilized and are beginning to ease.

This trend, coupled with the evolution of free trade agreements and domestic policy recalibrations, presents a strategic opportunity to boost local production and refine supply chains.

Sudhakar Desai, reappointed as IVPA President for the 2025–2026 term, underscored the need for a coordinated national effort.

“With imports stabilizing and showing signs of decline, there is renewed urgency to accelerate the path toward self-sufficiency in edible oils, despite competition from other key crops like pulses, rice, and wheat,” stated Desai.

The IVPA’s renewed push focuses on balancing multiple priorities: ensuring fair minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers, curbing edible oil-driven inflation, and maintaining food price stability.

These goals are especially critical as global markets remain volatile and domestic demand continues to rise.

Joining Desai in leadership are Vijay Kumar Jain (Vice President, Patanjali Foods), Amrendra Mishra (Managing Director, ADM), Bhavna Shah (Deputy CEO, NK Proteins), and Dhritiman Biswas (Senior Director, Government Relations, South Asia, Cargill India), all of whom have been reappointed as Vice Presidents.

Their collective experience is expected to drive innovation, strategic sourcing, and industry-wide collaboration.

The IVPA also called for policy support to incentivize oilseed cultivation and streamline refining infrastructure.

With India importing over 60% of its edible oil needs, the association believes that targeted investments and farmer-centric policies can significantly reduce dependency over the next decade.

As India navigates a complex global landscape, the transformation of the edible oil sector could become a cornerstone of agricultural resilience and food security.

The IVPA’s rallying cry for self-sufficiency is not just about reducing imports; it’s about empowering farmers, stabilizing prices, and building a robust domestic ecosystem for one of the country’s most essential commodities.

Tags: India, palm oil, imports, edible oil, self-sufficiency, soybean oil, Vegetable Oil