Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: ET
Context: India’s first integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit by 3F Oil Palm has commenced operations in Arunachal Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards self-reliance in edible oils.
About Palm oil:
- Derived from the fruit of oil palms, used in cooking, cosmetics, processed foods, biofuel, etc.
- Indonesia and Malaysia produce 90% of global palm oil, with Indonesia leading at over 45 million tonnes in 2021.
- Used in food, detergents, cosmetics, and biofuel.
- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala contribute 98% of production in India
Issues: Oil Palm plantations are criticized for unsustainable production and exploitative labour practices.
NMEO-OP:
- Launched in 2021 to promote oil palm cultivation.
- Targets by 2025-26: Increase oil palm area to 10 lakh hectares and crude palm oil production to over 11 lakh tonnes
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
- The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.
- The Government does not impose any customs duty on all imported edible oils as a special case.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: A
