NARVOS Launches Odisha Chapter, Unveils Roadmap for Regenerative Edible Oil Mission

The National Alliance for Regenerative Vegetable Oil Sector (NARVOS), initiated by Solidaridad Asia and The Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India, launched its Odisha Chapter today at MAYFAIR Convention, Bhubaneswar. The state-level event marked a key step in India’s push for climate-resilient, self-reliant edible oil production.

Odisha Edible Oil Mission (2025–30) Unveiled

A major highlight was the release of the joint Solidaridad–SEA study “From Field to Fortune”, proposing a comprehensive Odisha Edible Oil Mission. With 11.7 lakh hectares of rice fallows and diverse agro-climatic zones, the study positions Odisha as a future “Eastern Oilseed Powerhouse.”

The mission aims to:

• Convert 9.8 lakh ha of rice fallows to oilseed cultivation

• Reduce the 58% yield gap through regenerative farming

• Build 100–150 FPOs for seed and processing enterprises

• Generate ₹49,410 crore in economic output and ₹6,770 crore in state revenue

• Cut India’s edible oil import dependency by 5.4% by 2030

Leaders Highlight Opportunities and Urgent Needs

Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay, MD, Solidaridad Asia, said Odisha can rapidly scale oilseed production through regenerative agriculture, strong seed systems, and empowered farmer institutions. “NARVOS Odisha is a commitment to farmer prosperity and reduced import dependency,” he noted.

SEA Executive Director Dr. B.V. Mehta stressed that India still imports around 60% of its edible oil needs. Odisha, he said, offers a “golden opportunity” to boost domestic supply through rice fallow utilization and processing infrastructure.

SOPA Executive Director Mr. Dayananda Pathak pointed to Odisha’s strong potential for soybean cultivation, especially during the summer in western districts.

Experts Lay Out Path to India’s Next Yellow Revolution

ICAR–NIBSM Director Dr. P. K. Rai emphasized expanding both area and yield, backed by assured markets and short-duration mustard varieties. Solidaridad’s Dr. Suresh Motwani highlighted the importance of synergy among farmers, industry, scientists, and government.

Dr. Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, Joint Director (Agriculture), flagged the lack of quality niger seed and stressed awareness on extraction processes. He also cited growing prospects for groundnut and avocado oil.

APICOL head and Addl. Secretary Shri Shubhranshu Mishra underlined the need for a “Soil to Oil” approach, cluster-based expansion, and CRFM-driven oilseed growth.

PwC Director Shri Mahul Gupta explained why Odisha was chosen, pointing to its agricultural strengths, and outlined two models: the Hub-and-Spoke and Microenterprise Cooperative models.

About NARVOS

NARVOS is a collaborative national platform led by Solidaridad Asia and the Centre for Responsible Business, with support from SEA, SOPA, and industry partners. It promotes regenerative cultivation, responsible value chains, higher farmer incomes, and climate resilience across India’s vegetable oil sector.