"Need to boost the yield of oil seeds": PAU, Ludhiana

Highlighting the increasing consumption levels of edible oil across the country, economists from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have stated that there is an urgent need to enhance the yield of oil seeds in the country.

Highlighting the increasing consumption levels of edible oil across the country, economists from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have stated that there is an urgent need to enhance the yield of oil seeds in the country.

"High income levels along with the growing fast food culture are the primary reasons for the increase in the demand of edible oil," senior economist at PAU Mohinder Singh Sidhu said and added that the agriculture sector should pay heed to the scenario and boost the oil seed production.

"There is a need to lower the imports of oil seeds which cost the country a high amount of capital every year. As of now, of the total demand of the oil seeds 60% is imported and only 40% is domestically produced," Sidhu said and added that Punjab was not meeting the adequate level of seed production. The economist suggested that the farmers should be sensitised about the extension education sector so that they are encouraged to cultivate more oil seeds.

Available figures of per capita consumption of edible oil in India

Year	Rural Consumption (Kilo/per year)	Urban Consumption (Kilo/per year)
2004-05	5.84	8.03
2009-10	7.74	9.95
2011-12	8.20	10.38

Import figures of India:

Year	Lakh Tonnes	Value in Crores (Rupees)
2011-12	84.45	46,225
2012-13	110.14	61,107
2013-14	104.34	56,489

(Source: Ministry of Agriculture)