<h4>Overview of India's Oilseed Sector</h4><p>India holds a significant position in global oilseed production. It is a crucial sector for the nation's agricultural economy and food security.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Global Ranking:</strong> 4th largest oilseed producer globally<br><strong>Global Area Share:</strong> 20.8% of total global area under oilseed cultivation<br><strong>Global Production Share:</strong> Contributes 10% of global oilseed production</div><h4>Recent Production Performance</h4><p>The sector has shown encouraging growth in recent years, reflecting increased focus and farmer efforts.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Record Production (2022-23):</strong> 413.55 lakh tonnes<br><strong>Growth from Previous Year:</strong> 23.92 lakh tonnes higher than 2021-22</div><h4>Diverse Oilseed Varieties</h4><p>India cultivates a wide range of oilseeds, catering to various agro-climatic conditions and dietary preferences.</p><ul><li><strong>Major Oilseeds:</strong> <strong>Groundnut</strong>, <strong>Soybean</strong>, <strong>Sunflower</strong>, <strong>Sesamum</strong>, <strong>Niger Seed</strong>, <strong>Mustard</strong>, and <strong>Safflower</strong>.</li></ul><h4>Dominance of Rainfed Farming</h4><p>A significant portion of India's oilseed cultivation relies on monsoon rains, which presents both opportunities and challenges.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>Rainfed Dependence:</strong> Nearly <strong>72%</strong> of India’s oilseed cultivation is under <strong>rainfed farming</strong>.<br><strong>Farmer Profile:</strong> Predominantly carried out by <strong>small farmers</strong>.<br><strong>Impact:</strong> Often leads to <strong>low productivity</strong> due to dependence on erratic rainfall.</div><h4>Leading Oilseed-Producing States</h4><p>Certain states contribute substantially to the national oilseed output, playing a pivotal role in the sector's overall performance.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Top Producers (2022-23):</strong><br><ul><li><strong>Rajasthan:</strong> 23%</li><li><strong>Madhya Pradesh:</strong> 21%</li><li><strong>Gujarat:</strong> 18%</li><li><strong>Maharashtra:</strong> 16%</li></ul></div><h4>Oilseed Exports Overview</h4><p>Despite being a major producer, India also engages in the export of oilseeds, contributing to its agricultural trade balance.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Export Value (2022-23):</strong> <strong>USD 1.33 billion</strong></div><div class="exam-tip-box">Understand the interplay between domestic production, consumption, and trade. India is a net importer of edible oils, so oilseed production is critical for reducing import dependency.</div>