Question : PRODUCTION OF EDIBLE OIL .

(a) the total quantum of edible oil including palm oil and coconut oil produced and consumed in the country during each of the last three years and the current year, oil-wise;

(b) whether the Government proposes to promote consumption and export of coconut oil; and

(c) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) The details of estimated domestic production and consumption of edible oils, oil-wise including palm oil and coconut oil during the last three years and the current year is annexed.

(b) & (c) Yes, Madam. The steps taken to promote consumption and export of coconut oil is as follows:

(i) Coconut Development Board is promoting production of Coconut Oil and value added products from coconut under the scheme “Technology Mission on Coconut”. Under this Scheme financial and technical assistance is extended to entrepreneurs for establishing processing units in Coconut sector.

(ii) In order to encourage domestic growers of coconut and producers of coconut oil, the import duty on crude edible oils has been raised from zero to 2.5 %

(iii) The port restriction for export of coconut oil has been lifted and at present export of coconut oil is permitted through 13 Electronic Data Interchange(EDI) ports and also through Land Customs Stations(LCS)

(iv) Quantitative restriction on export of edible oils including coconut oil in branded consumer packs of upto 5kg has been removed.