IVPA Concludes Global Roundtable 4.0; Reiterates Critical Policy Reforms for Edible Oil Industry
New Delhi, July 25, 2025 – Celebrating its Golden Jubilee year, the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) successfully concluded its two-day flagship event, Global Roundtable 4.0, on July 24–25 in New Delhi. Held under the theme “Navigating Tectonic Global Shifts,” the summit brought together leading policymakers, global industry experts, academicians, and key stakeholders from across the vegetable oil value chain.
At the end of the in-depth deliberations, IVPA underscored two urgent policy issues that have significant implications for domestic processors, farmers, and consumers alike.
1. Addressing Duty-Free Imports via Nepal
IVPA raised strong concerns over the continued influx of zero-duty refined edible oil imports via Nepal, which are disproportionately impacting local refining industries—particularly in India’s northern and northeastern regions. These imports are undermining domestic processors, depressing oilseed farmgate prices, and leading to underutilisation of refining capacities.
To mitigate this, IVPA called for a policy intervention to regulate such imports. A proposed solution is to channel duty-free imports exclusively through government agencies like NAFED and potentially other state agencies to ensure better oversight and protect domestic interests.
2. Reinstating Standardised Pack Sizes for Edible Oils
Another key recommendation was to reinstate uniform pack sizes for edible oils, a move IVPA believes will reduce consumer confusion caused by the multitude of pack options currently flooding retail markets. Standardization is expected to bring transparency to pricing and support informed consumer choices.
3.Leadership Acknowledged by Prime Minister Modi
In a special message, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commended IVPA on its 50-year journey, acknowledging its pivotal role in advancing the edible oil sector. The Prime Minister lauded IVPA’s contributions in policy advocacy, sustainability, and self-reliance, emphasizing the association’s long-standing commitment to India’s food and agri-economic future.
4.Strategic Discussions Define Roadmap for Self-Reliance
The Roundtable discussions covered critical industry themes, including:
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Global supply disruptions
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Food and energy security
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Sustainable sourcing practices
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India’s roadmap for value addition and domestic oilseed production
Panels engaged in forward-looking conversations on climate-related challenges, emerging trade realignments, and biofuel mandates, all of which are poised to shape the edible oils sector in the coming decade.
Market & Crop Outlook Highlights
Experts presented the following insights:
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Palm oil prices are expected to stay consolidated and maintain a discount relative to soybean oil.
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The mustard price rally in India may stabilize as the government plans to release buffer stocks.
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Sunflower oil prices are projected to ease with the new crop from the Black Sea region returning to normal.
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Given global demand for biofuels, India must continue to promote higher domestic oilseed production, supported by incentivised minimum support prices (MSPs).
Stewardship and Visionary Leadership
The event was led by IVPA President Mr. Sudhakar Desai, with core contributions from Vice Presidents Mr. V.K. Jain, Mr. Amrendra Mishra, Ms. Bhavna Shah, Mr. Dhritiman Biswas, and Secretary General Mr. S.P. Kamrah. Their collective leadership steered the summit’s strategic direction, underlining the need for coherent industry-policy alignment.
IVPA’s Commitment to Inclusive Growth
As the edible oil industry faces global and domestic headwinds, IVPA continues to serve as the voice of India’s vegetable oil value chain. The association remains steadfast in driving:
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Resilient supply chains
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Evidence-based policy dialogue
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Farmer-centric economic models
With its legacy of five decades, IVPA is poised to guide India’s edible oil sector toward a future that is sustainable, self-reliant, and globally competitive.
