Bhubaneswar, 24 November 2025: The National Alliance for Regenerative Vegetable Oil Sector (NARVOS), a collaboration between Solidaridad Asia and the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India, launched its Odisha Chapter at an event held in Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to position Odisha as a key player in India’s journey towards climate-resilient, self-reliant edible oil production.
The launch featured the release of the joint study, "From Field to Fortune," which outlines a strategy for transforming Odisha into a leading contributor to India’s vegetable oil security through the proposed Odisha Edible Oil Mission (2025–2030). This mission aims to convert 9.8 lakh hectares of rice fallows into oilseed cultivation, close yield gaps, and establish 100–150 Farmer-Producer Organizations (FPOs). The initiative is expected to generate ₹49,410 crore in economic output and reduce India’s edible oil import dependency by 5.4% by 2030.
Key figures highlighted Odisha’s untapped potential, including its diverse agro-climatic zones and expanding cotton and groundnut cultivation. Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, emphasized the need for coordinated action involving policy, industry, and farmer investment to unlock significant value and create a national model for regenerative oilseed development.
Other industry leaders, including Dr. B.V. Mehta of SEA, supported the mission, citing Odisha’s potential to reduce India’s edible oil import dependency.
Mr. Dayananda Pathak, Executive Director of the Soybean Processors Association of India, Dr. P. K. Rai, Director at ICAR–NIBSM, Dr. Suresh Motwani, General Manager at Solidaridad Asia, Dr. Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, Joint Director of Agriculture and leader of the state’s Oilseeds Mission, Shubhranshu Mishra, Additional Secretary at the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department and head of APICOL, Mahul Gupta, Director at PwC, also underscored the importance of a collaborative ecosystem involving farmers, businesses, and government agencies.
The event concluded with a focus on the promising opportunities in oilseed cultivation and processing, especially in crops like groundnut and avocado oil. The NARVOS Odisha initiative aims to build a sustainable, climate-resilient, and economically viable oilseed sector in the state.
