SUNFLOWER OIL PRODUCTION

Context: India’s imports of sunflower oil are likely to fall in the coming months as it becomes uncompetitive against rival oils due to rising prices after Russia withdrew from the Black Sea grain deal.

• The Black Sea region accounts for 60% of world sunflower oil output and 76% of exports.
• Ukraine traditionally accounted for more than half of India’s sunflower oil imports, but Russia has been its biggest supplier in the marketing year ending on 31 October.

Status of Sunflower Oil in India

• Sunflower oil is the fourth most consumed edible oil in India, following mustard, soybean, and palm oil.
• Domestic production of sunflower oil has significantly declined over the past decade, unlike soybean oil, which has expanded its cultivated area.
• India imports a substantial amount of sunflower oil due to limited domestic production.
• Major producers: Karnataka (highest producer in India); Telangana and Maharashtra
• Major Consumer: Karnataka, Telangana, and Maharashtra. Status of Sunflower Oil globally
• Ukraine (the highest producer) and Russia account for 60% of the world’s sunflower oil production.
• Other top producers of sunflower oil globally include Ukraine, Russia, Argentina, Romania, and Bulgaria.