Edible oils are a critical component of an Indian kitchen. India produced 43.10 million tonnes of edible oilseeds in 2020-21, which is estimated to increase to 45 million tonnes in 2021-22. It is estimated that total annual demand of edible oil in India stands at 26 million tonnes. Only 40% of this demand is met through domestic production and remaining 60% is imported. Palm oil accounts for more than 60% of total import of edible oil, which is primarily sourced from Southeast Asia. Cultivation of palm oil assumes significance in the context of food and nutrition security of India.
