Implementaiton of National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)

Key Highlights:

• The National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was launched in 2021-22 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• Its objective is to increase oil palm area and productivity, enhancing domestic edible oil production and reducing imports.
• The mission has a financial outlay of ₹11,040 crore, with a target of bringing 6.5 lakh hectares under oil palm by 2025-26.
• It is implemented in 15 states and includes a price assurance mechanism for farmers through Viability Gap Payment (VGP).
• From 2021-22 to 2025-26, 2.73 lakh hectares were brought under oil palm cultivation, with ₹1,447.21 crore released to states.
• The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS) was launched on October 3, 2024, for seven years to boost domestic oilseed production.

Detailed Insights:

• The Government of India's share in the NMEO-OP outlay is ₹8,844 crore.
• Interventions under NMEO-OP include assistance for planting material, maintenance, intercropping, drip irrigation, and processing infrastructure.
• Annual Action Plans for 2026-27 for implementing states have been approved for ₹1143.9 crore.
• NMEO-OS promotes improved indigenous varieties and hybrids of oilseeds with 100% support for breeder seeds.
• Under NMEO-OS, 60 Seed Hubs and 50 specialized seed storage units have been sanctioned for breeder seed production.
• This information was provided in a written reply in Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Key Concepts Involved:

• National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP): A government scheme aimed at boosting domestic oil palm cultivation and edible oil production.
• Centrally Sponsored Scheme: A scheme where a certain percentage of funding is provided by the Central Government to states for implementation.
• Viability Gap Payment (VGP): A financial support mechanism to make projects commercially viable by covering a portion of the capital cost.
• National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS): A mission launched to enhance domestic oilseed production and achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils.