India's Oilseeds Economy

India has made satisfactory progress in raising the production of foodgrains, fruits, vegetables, sugar and other plantation crops. However, shortfalls in the production of oilseeds and pulses are concerns for the planners for a long time. The Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986) achieved some initial success but the continued expansion in population caused demand for edible oils to rise which the domestic output is unable to meet. Given the current low productivity levels and the limitations to raising productivity levels, the country's dependence on imports to meet almost half of the demand for edible oils is unavoidable. The present study unveils many burning issues related to the oilseeds sector. Trends in area, production and yield are thoroughly discussed.