Why has India become increasingly import-dependent for edible oils despite being a major agricultural economy?
Main Body
India imports around 70% of its edible oils from nations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Brazil despite being a [Net-surplus] agricultural economy. Reasons for being import-dependent: (1) Low productivity of oil seed - India's global = 3 times more productivity > makes import cheaper for industries (2) Seed availability - climate resistant seeds not available (3) Land fragmentation - avg holding avg @ 0.7-1 hectare (Agri survey 2019) (4) Farmer extension services (aiding - Lack of knowledge edge on oil seeds value)
Conclusion
India needs a robust oil seed production to achieve Atmanirbharta in its agricultural growth by 2020.
16 words
Deeksha Chourasiya
Agriculture and Food Security
Cropping pattern and irrigation
Edible Oils Import Dependency
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Paragraphs
analytical
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