The Hindu Business Line : `Evolve oilseeds varieties resistant to drought'

OILSEEDS scientists expressed the urgent need for drawing up newer strategies to reverse India's status from a net importer of edible oil to a net exporter.

Taking stock of the oilseed situation in the country, researchers who took part in the two-day Oilseed Scientist Meet at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) said though inevitable, the country should strive to bridge the huge gap in the demand and supply situation of edible oil.

"We can strengthen; triple the yield potential and draw up a plan to narrow the gap," a researcher said.

The TNAU Vice-Chancellor, Dr C. Ramasamy, recalled how the country managed to be a net exporter of edible oil in the early 80s when the oilseeds mission project was in place and subsequently, a decade later, turned a net importer, procuring close to 50 per cent of the requirement.

Identifying some of the thrust areas, the Vice-Chancellor drew the attention of the scientists to evolve new drought-resistant varieties and hybrids with higher yield potential and remunerative intercrops on organic farming.

He suggested roping of the private sector in establishing backward linkage and product formation, consolidation of the fragmented processing units and scaling up of production processes.

Reports indicate that the demand for soyabean oil would grow by 3.6 per cent over the next 10 years.

More Stories on : Oilseeds & Edible Oil | Tamil Nadu

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