ICRISAT And IOPEPC Join Forces To Increase India's Oilseed Production And Exports

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Indian Oilseeds & Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC) signed a MoU to increase quality oilseed production in India.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, and Mr. Nilesh Vira, Chairman of IOPEPC, to strengthen long-term cooperation to increase the quantity and quality of oilseeds grown in India.

The collaboration will concentrate on expanding cultivated areas, deploying scientific technologies, and collaborating at all levels, such as providing farmers with better quality certified seed and strengthening the oilseed supply chain.

Furthermore, the partnership will promote food safety principles, make policy and program recommendations to the Government of India, and support the growth of the Indian oilseed sector.

Mr. Vira emphasized the importance of developing climate-resilient oilseed crops during the discussions, citing the unpredictable weather patterns that affect India's agriculture. He cited the difficulty farmers face in growing aflatoxin-free groundnuts, a crop that is becoming increasingly popular in the export market.

"Farmers want climate-resistant oilseed crops. Oilseed crops, which typically take 110-120 days to mature, are being impacted by changing monsoon patterns. Farmers do not want to grow oilseeds because of the unpredictable weather, and we must find solutions," Mr. Vira said.

According to Mr. Kishore Tanna, Director-Groundnut Panel Convenor, IOPEPC, India imports 15 million tonnes of edible oil because farmers do not want to grow oilseeds, particularly groundnuts.

Dr. Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, emphasized the importance of eliminating intermediaries in the export value chain to increase profits for smallholder farmers. She also emphasized ICRISAT's dedication to eradicating aflatoxin in groundnuts, which has a negative impact on all consumers.

"Aflatoxin elimination is a doable challenge for ICRISAT, and collaboration with IOPEPC will allow ICRISAT to focus on key areas of intervention applicable to the Indian peanut sector," Dr. Hughes said.

The visiting team discussed several options for shortening the export value chain and establishing direct links between farmers and exporters. They cited the short value chain for soybeans in Rajasthan and Gujarat as one successful example that could be replicated in other crops. They also mentioned the growing popularity of e-markets as another potential link between farmers and exporters.

Dr. Sean Mayes, Mr. Stefan De Greling, and Dr. Janila Pasupuleti from ICRISAT attended the MoU signing, which was convened by ICRISAT's Product Placement Lead Dr. Ashok Kumar and Mr. Ramesh P Kolath, Deputy CEO, IOPEPC.

IOPEPC is recognized by the Government of India's Ministry of Commerce and serves as a common forum for Indian oilseeds/vegetable oil exporters, foreign buyers, the Indian Government, R&D agencies for oilseeds and vegetable oils in India, international agencies, and many other official bodies and authorities worldwide.

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