The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA), the apex body of the country’s edible oil refining sector, has called for accelerating the journey toward self-sufficiency in edible oils amid declining imports, global price volatility, and evolving trade agreements.
At its 48th Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, IVPA highlighted that the vegetable oil industry is navigating a critical phase shaped by fluctuating palm and soybean oil prices, shifting free trade policies, and domestic policy challenges. While these factors create opportunities for operational efficiency and strategic sourcing, they also underscore the challenge of balancing farmers’ minimum support prices (MSP), inflation control, and food price stability.
“With imports stabilizing and showing signs of decline, there is renewed urgency to accelerate the path toward self-sufficiency in edible oils, despite competition from other key crops like pulses, rice, and wheat,” said Sudhakar Desai, who was re-elected as IVPA President for the 2025–26 term.
The AGM also confirmed the reappointment of four vice presidents: Vijay Kumar Jain (Patanjali Foods Ltd.), Amrendra Mishra (ADM), Bhavna Shah (NK Proteins Ltd.), and Dhritiman Biswas (Cargill India). Desai said the leadership team signals continuity and strategic focus for the sector.
“With a robust team, IVPA is set for another impactful term focused on creating value, driving innovation, and building strong collaborations that benefit the entire vegetable oil industry,” Desai added.
The IVPA’s renewed push comes as India continues to rely heavily on imports to meet its edible oil demand, despite long-standing efforts to strengthen domestic oilseed cultivation and reduce import dependency.