India’s vegetable oil industry seeks self-sufficiency amid policy changes

The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association (IVPA) has highlighted the critical importance of achieving self-sufficiency in the vegetable oil sector in response to falling imports and global trade challenges. The initiative resonates with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call in August 2025 for the country to produce everything it needs, from fertilizers to electric vehicles, in response to the US’s imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods. IVPA represents a key segment of India’s edible oil processing industry, where global price volatility for palm and soybean oil is compounded by challenges from free trade agreements and domestic policies.

The industry faces the need to balance support for farmers with price stability, especially in the face of competition from other important crops such as pulses, rice and wheat. IVPA has prioritized ensuring fair minimum support prices (MSPs) for producers, combating inflation driven by edible oils and maintaining food price stability. These measures are critical to cushion the impact of global fluctuations on the domestic market.

After the 48th Annual General Meeting, Suhakkar Desai was re-elected as IVPA President, leading the drive towards self-reliance. With imports stabilizing, the need for innovation is increasing to enable the industry to meet the challenges. Desai emphasizes the sector’s readiness for change, stressing that self-reliance will not only reduce import dependency but also strengthen resilience to external shocks.

IVPA Vice Presidents – Vijay Kumar Jain, Amrendra Mishra, Bhavna Shah and Dhritiman Biswas – continue their work coordinating the modernization initiatives. The association plans to increase lobbying for government support, including subsidies for processing and research into new varieties of oilseeds adapted to the Indian climate.

This self-reliance strategy could become a model for other agricultural sectors in India, where the balance between imports and domestic production determines food security. IVPA is calling on the government to implement comprehensive reforms that will stimulate investment in the sector and ensure sustainable growth, despite global uncertainties.

Tags: India, edible oils