Important Indian Scheme · Agriculture
National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP)
A mission to boost domestic oil palm cultivation and reduce India’s dependence on edible oil imports.
Overview
The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to boost domestic production of edible oils, with a special focus on oil palm cultivation. India is heavily dependent on imports to meet its edible oil demand, and this mission aims to reduce that import burden by expanding the area under oil palm and increasing crude palm oil production. The mission gives special focus to the North-Eastern states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, which have suitable agro-climatic conditions, and provides assistance to farmers including a price assurance mechanism.
Quick Snapshot
Launched2021
MinistryAgriculture & Farmers Welfare
FocusOil Palm / Edible Oils
Special FocusNE & A&N Islands
Key Features & Objectives
1
Expansion of area under oil palm cultivation to increase domestic edible oil output.
2
Special focus on North-Eastern states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
3
Price assurance (Viability Price) mechanism to protect oil palm farmers.
4
Assistance for planting material, inputs and processing infrastructure.
5
Reduction of dependence on imported edible oils and promotion of self-reliance.
Key Facts at a Glance
Exam Focus: Note launch year (2021), focus on oil palm, special emphasis on NE states & A&N Islands, and the goal of reducing edible oil imports.
Practice MCQs
Q1. NMEO-OP was launched mainly to boost the production of:
A. Pulses
B. Edible oils / oil palm ✔
C. Sugarcane
D. Cotton
Q2. In which year was NMEO-OP launched?
A. 2019
B. 2020
C. 2021 ✔
D. 2022
Q3. NMEO-OP gives special focus to which regions?
A. Punjab & Haryana
B. North-East & Andaman & Nicobar Islands ✔
C. Gujarat & Rajasthan
D. Tamil Nadu & Kerala only
Q4. Which ministry implements NMEO-OP?
A. Ministry of Food Processing
B. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ✔
C. Ministry of Commerce
D. Ministry of Rural Development
Q5. A key objective of NMEO-OP is to reduce dependence on:
A. Crude oil imports
B. Edible oil imports ✔
C. Fertiliser imports
D. Coal imports