Centre taking steps to boost oilseeds production; promote millets: Goyal

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said nearly 4 lakh hectare area of rice fallow will be used for oilseeds cultivation in 100 districts of 10 states as part of the government's efforts to boost domestic output and reduce imports of edible oils.

The minister was addressing a webinar on 'Smart Agriculture: Bringing Back Glory of Millets; Moving Towards Aatmanirbharta in Edible Oil'.

Moreover, he said 230 high-yielding districts of oilseeds have been identified.

Nearly 20 lakh hectare area will also be brought under intercropping of oilseeds in next 5 years, an official statement quoted Goyal as saying.

India imported edible oils worth Rs 1.17 lakh crore during 2020-21 marketing year ended October 2021, according to trade data.

With emphasis on millets, India is going back to its roots like Yoga, the minister said.

Bringing back the glory of millets will make the country Aatmanirbhar in 3 areas-- Food, Nutrition & Economy, Goyal said.

Suggesting four ...