Reviving India’s Oilseed Sector: Performance, Challenges and the Way Forward

Abstract

Oilseeds have emerged as one of the most important and dynamic segments of global agriculture. India, the fourth-largest producer of oilseeds, cultivates a diverse range of crops across its varied agro-climatic zones. In addition to their vital role in human nutrition, oilseeds serve as key raw materials for numerous industries and make a significant contribution to livestock feed and organic manure. Although India accounts for one-fifth of the world’s oilseed acreage, its share of global production is about 10%, reflecting both the scale and the challenges of the sector. Over the last ten years, India’s oilseed area and output have risen steadily, underscoring their growing importance to the agricultural economy. The present study examines the trends in area, production, and productivity of oilseeds in India over the past 10 years, alongside an analysis of the sector’s export–import dynamics. Using secondary data and calculating growth rates through the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) method, the study reveals robust growth in the oilseed sector, with CAGRs of 1.85%, 4.15%, and 2.26% for area, production, and yield, respectively, between 2014–15 and 2023–24. Trade patterns also changed notably. Exports increased by 7.52% from US$1.33 billion in FY 2022–23 to US$1.43 billion in FY 2023–24 while imports fell sharply from US$20.83 billion to US$14.87 billion over the same period. The study highlights both opportunities and challenges within India’s oilseed sector. It emphasises the necessity for coordinated policy measures, the adoption of advanced technologies, and increased farmer support to achieve sustainable sectoral growth.