Khawzawl district in Mizoram has taken a significant 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 (NMEO-OS).
The sunflower oil was flagged off by Khawzawl Deputy Commissioner K. Vanlalthiana at the District Agriculture Office. Commending the efforts of the District Agriculture Office, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and participating farmers, he said the initiative demonstrated how innovation and modern farming practices could strengthen the agricultural sector.
Vanlalthiana urged farmers to adopt smart farming techniques and make productive use of fallow land between cropping seasons. He said the success of the project should be measured not only by the income it generates but also by its contribution to promoting healthier cooking oil and agricultural innovation. He expressed confidence that sunflower oil production in the district would continue to grow in the coming years.
District Agriculture Officer Lallawmzuali said India currently imports nearly 60 per cent of its edible oil requirements, making increased domestic production a national priority. She noted that sunflower cultivation was introduced on a large scale in Khawzawl under the NMEO-OS last year, although erratic rainfall affected crop yields.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner presented awards to the district's top three sunflower oil producers. Khawlnunpuia of Biate secured the top position with 237 litres of oil, followed by R. Lalrualliana with 204 litres and Lalhriatpuia with 149 litres.
