Olive oil producers in India are trying to compete with imports

India is developing its own olive oil production industry, although the market still remains heavily dependent on imports. A small group of farmers is attempting to adapt olive cultivation to local climatic conditions and promote olive oil consumption among Indian consumers. The main suppliers to the Indian market remain Spain, Italy, and Tunisia.

One of the pioneers of the sector is Manjoo Farms, which began cultivating olives in 2014 as part of a government pilot project. Despite extreme temperatures exceeding 48°C in summer, farmers have been able to adapt the Mediterranean crop through drip irrigation, modern technologies, and the use of drought-resistant varieties, particularly Koroneiki.

In recent years, producers have increasingly implemented energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. Solar-powered pumps are used for irrigation, while olive processing waste is returned to the soil as organic fertilizer. In addition, some farms are undergoing organic certification, hoping to eventually access export markets.

At the same time, the sector’s development is constrained by low consumer awareness. Most of India’s population traditionally uses vegetable oils for cooking, while demand for high-quality olive oil is concentrated mainly in large cities among middle- and high-income consumers. As a result, some farmers who previously invested in olive cultivation have abandoned projects due to insufficient profitability.

Despite the challenges, market participants remain optimistic about the industry’s prospects. A future trade agreement between the EU and India is expected to further support the development of the olive oil market. Meanwhile, local producers hope to carve out their own niche by offering domestically produced products to Indian consumers and shaping a new culture of olive oil consumption in the country.

Tags: India, olive oil