In recent years, Genetically Modified (GM) crops, specifically Mustard (also known by its hybrid name Dhara Mustard Hybrid or DMH-11), have been in the spotlight. The Indian government has made it clear that we are already importing and using oil derived from GM crops. Annually, India produces approximately 9.5 million tonnes (mt) of GM cotton seed, and human consumers use 1.2 mt of oil derived from this GM cotton. In addition, around 6.5 mt of GM cotton seed is used as animal feed.
Edible Oil Sector in India: Its Place in the Economy
As one of the world’s largest oilseed producers, India holds a significant role in the global agricultural economy. The country’s oil sector produced an estimated 36.56 mt of nine cultivated oilseeds in 2020-21, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture. As the second-largest consumer and number one importer of vegetable oil globally, India’s rate of edible oil consumption exceeds its production rate. This imbalance necessitates reliance on imports for about 55% to 60% of the demand. Hence, enhancing domestic oil production to meet consumption demand is vital for India’s economic independence.
Imported Oils and Their Prevalence in India
The majority of edible oils imported into India include Palm oil, amounting to roughly around 62%, sourced primarily from Indonesia and Malaysia. Soybean oil makes up 22% of the imports from Argentina and Brazil, while Sunflower oil accounts for 15% of the imports, mainly from Ukraine and Russia.
Commonly Used Oils in India
India traditionally cultivates various oilseeds, including mustard, groundnut, rapeseed, sesame, safflower, linseed, niger seed, and castor. In recent times, the cultivation of Soyabean and Sunflower has gained prominence. Among plantation crops, coconut holds the most importance, while rice bran oil and cottonseed oil are the dominant non-conventional oils.
Edible Oils: Import-Export Policy
India’s government operates an Open General License (OGL) system for the import of edible oils. To balance the interests of various stakeholders, including farmers, processors, and consumers, the government adjusts the edible oils duty structure periodically.
Government Initiatives in the Edible Oil Sector
The Indian Government launched the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm, a centrally-sponsored scheme undertaken jointly with state governments. Particular attention is directed to the northeast region and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands regarding this initiative. By 2025-26, plans are in place to add approximately 6.5 lakh hectares of land for palm oil cultivation.
In addition, a web-based platform (evegoils.nic.in) has been developed by the Directorate of Sugar & Vegetable Oils under the Department of Food and Public Distribution to streamline data management in the vegetable oil sector. This portal facilitates online submission of inputs by vegetable oil producers and provides a window for registration and submission of monthly production returns.
Previous UPSC Civil Services Examination Questions on GM Crops
Some previous year questions from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination relating to GM crops have focused on topics such as the quantity of imported edible oils compared to domestic production, the customs duty on imported edible oils, and the applications of genetically engineered plants. Issues addressed include resistance to pests, drought tolerance, the nutritional value of produce, the ability of GM crops to grow in spaceships and space stations, the shelf-life of GM crops, and the context of Bollgard I and II technologies.
How Biotechnology Can Enhance Farmers’ Living Standards
Biotechnology, primarily through the development and cultivation of GM crops, presents a potential solution to improving the living standards of farmers. By introducing new traits to plants, such as resistance to certain pests, diseases, adverse environmental conditions, or spoilage, or improving the crop’s nutrient profile, farmers can achieve higher yields, lower costs, and ultimately, more substantial profits.
