Khawzawl district took a step towards edible oil self-sufficiency with the launch of locally produced sunflower oil extracted from crops cultivated by 120 farmers under the Centre’s National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds.

 

The sunflower oil was flagged off by Khawzawl Deputy Commissioner K. Vanlalthiana at the District Agriculture Office.

 

Praising the efforts of the District Agriculture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and local farmers, Vanlalthiana said the initiative demonstrated how innovation and modern farming practices could strengthen agriculture. He urged farmers to adopt “smart” farming methods and make productive use of fallow land between cropping seasons. He said the project’s success should not be measured solely by income but also by its contribution to healthier cooking oil and agricultural innovation, expressing hope that production would increase in the coming years.

 

District Agriculture Officer Lallawmzuali said India imports nearly 60 per cent of its edible oil requirements, making domestic production a national priority. She said sunflower cultivation was introduced extensively in Khawzawl last year under the NMEO-OS, though erratic rainfall affected yields.

 

The Deputy Commissioner also presented awards to the district’s top three sunflower oil producers: Khawlnunpuia of Biate (237 litres), R. Lalrualliana (204 litres) and Lalhriatpuia (149 litres).