InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Currently, India has approximately 360,000 hectares of land planted with oil palm, with local production reaching around 350,000 tons. "India's cooking oil consumption is currently about 25.5 million tons, growing at a rate of 3% to 4% per year," stated B. V. Mehta, Executive Director of The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India, during an international palm oil seminar in early November 2025.

He also projected that by the 2029-30 period, India may require 30-32 million tons of cooking oil, while local production is expected to reach 15-16 million tons.

Mehta noted that India is fully committed to using sustainable palm oil. "Through the National Mission on Oil Palm, the Indian government is focused on increasing domestic palm oil production, targeting over 1.0 million tons by 2025-26 and 2.8 million tons by 2029-30," he said.

With optimistic projections and supportive policies, the future of the cooking oil industry in India looks promising. Mehta concluded his presentation with hopes that the adoption of technology and better agricultural practices, including the use of genetically engineered seeds, will help bridge the gap between demand and supply.

"We must be prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities to ensure the sustainability of the cooking oil industry in India," he emphasized. (T2)

For detail article you can read InfoSAWIT Magazine January 2025 Edition