We are delighted to be participating in Gulfood 2025, where this special edition of the News Bulletin is being inaugurated. This prestigious event, the world’s largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition, brings together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the globe. It provides a unique platform to connect with international buyers, foster new business relationships, and showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of Indian Oilseeds and produce. Our presence at Gulfood 2025 underscores IOPEPC's commitment to strengthening India's global footprint in the agricultural export sector.

The past year has seen several significant milestones that reaffirm India’s position as a major player in the global Oilseed export market. Indian Groundnut exports have witnessed remarkable growth, registering a 13.98% increase in quantity from April to November 2024 compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge underscores the growing global demand for Indian Groundnuts, with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand emerging as strong markets. On the other hand, challenges remain in regions like the UAE and Vietnam due to intensified competition from African countries. Additionally, Iraq and Algeria are showing substantial potential as promising new export avenues.

In the Sesame export sector, the period from April to November 2024 saw a 0.51% increase in exports despite earlier challenges. This growth was largely driven by a robust recovery starting in September and sustained through the latter part of the year. Key markets such as Korea, Vietnam, and Russia have emerged as significant growth regions. Notably, exports to the European Union reached 27,856.21 tons in 2024, representing an impressive 27.32% increase compared to the previous year. This achievement underscores the unwavering commitment of Indian exporters to maintaining high-quality standards and fostering trust with international buyers.

We are also deeply encouraged by the positive initiatives introduced in the Union Budget 2025 presented by the Hon'ble Finance Minister of India on 1st February 2025. The government's continued focus on the National Mission for Edible Oilseed reinforces India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in edible Oils by increasing domestic Oilseed production. Initiatives such as the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, targeting 100 agricultural districts with low productivity, and the enhancement of the Kisan Credit Card loan limit to ₹5 lakh are commendable steps toward empowering Oilseed farmers. Additionally, the budget’s emphasis on post-harvest infrastructure development and research for high-yielding, climate-resilient Oilseed varieties is pivotal for boosting productivity and ensuring quality exports.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Hon'ble Finance Minister and the government for these progressive measures that promise to strengthen India's Oilseed sector and enhance its global competitiveness.

The strategic cooperation agreement between the Argentina Peanut Chamber and IOPEPC marked a historic step in strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing India's peanut sector. This partnership has opened new avenues for knowledge sharing, market access, and the adoption of best agricultural practices.

Another key highlight was the strategic retreat for commercial wings of Indian missions across 20 countries. This collaborative event allowed us to identify and address country-specific and sector-specific challenges, exploring opportunities to further boost India’s global leadership in agricultural exports. Discussions during the retreat emphasized the importance of strengthening trade, technology, and investment collaborations.

Our commitment to ensuring high-quality standards and compliance has also been evident in our collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The recent visit by CFIA officials highlighted India's dedication to maintaining food safety, authenticity, and compliance with international standards. IOPEPC remains committed to ensuring that Indian Sesame seeds and other Oilseeds meet the stringent requirements of global markets.

In line with our focus on innovation, IOPEPC conducted a successful webinar on enhancing export potential through Groundnut and Sesame processing. The insightful session provided exporters with valuable knowledge on innovative processing techniques and value addition strategies to unlock new global markets.

As we continue to work towards enhancing India’s export potential, it is crucial to acknowledge the collective efforts of our members, stakeholders, and industry partners. Your unwavering dedication and resilience have been instrumental in achieving these milestones.

In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to all contributors to this special edition of the News Bulletin. Your insightful articles and perspectives enrich our collective understanding and provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the Oilseeds export sector.

Let us embrace 2025 with renewed vigor, determination, and a shared vision for excellence. Together, we will continue to drive growth, innovation, and success in India’s Oilseed export sector.

Rutuparna Dole
Chairman
Indian Oilseeds And Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)