The Edible Oil Industry's Road Ahead: Insights from Vijay Shrishrimal, MD of K N Group

Introduction:

Welcome to Globoil Post, your go-to source for the latest edible oil and agri-trade news highlights. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Vijay Shrishrimal, the amiable and ever-smiling Managing Director of K N Group, to gain valuable insights into the edible oil industry's current state and its trajectory in the post-Covid era. The interview delves into the Soybean crop forecast, the meal market, and the Edible Oil market's future amidst the pandemic's influence. Moreover, Mr. Shrishrimal shares his views on the government's policies and initiatives in this vital sector.

1. Soybean Crop Outlook for the Coming Season:

Mr. Shrishrimal starts by highlighting the promising sowing trends for the current season, with a significant increase in the area under soya cultivation compared to the previous year. However, excessive rainfall has impacted yields, particularly in the Madhya Pradesh region. Based on market assessments, he estimates a soybean crop of around 105 lakh MT for the season.

2. The Meal Market Forecast:

With the pandemic initially dampening domestic demand, the meal market is gradually recovering to pre-Covid levels. Despite this, Mr. Shrishrimal anticipates that meal production may outstrip local demand, necessitating exports of approximately 1.5 MMT. He identifies potential markets in Europe, Japan, and Iran, emphasizing the importance of competitive pricing to ensure a consistent demand for Indian meal and steady income for farmers.

3. The Edible Oil Market Amidst Covid-19 Impact:

Discussing the Covid-19's impact on edible oil consumption, Mr. Shrishrimal notes the decline in out-of-home consumption due to reduced demand from the hospitality, restaurant, and catering sectors. However, household consumption is witnessing steady growth. He foresees a year-on-year increase in consumption, albeit at a rate lower than average. The domestic output of edible oils may not exhibit significant growth due to Kharif oilseeds production falling short of expectations. Consequently, edible oil imports are expected to rise by around 10% compared to the previous year, with soy oil experiencing a notable increase.

4. Views on Government Policies for the Sector:

Mr. Shrishrimal urges the government to take proactive measures to boost soybean and oilseed production and decrease dependence on imported oils. Despite India's robust crushing facilities, they remain underutilized due to insufficient availability of seeds. He emphasizes the need for collective efforts from the industry and associations to increase soybean production. Moreover, he calls for a review of export incentives, expressing concerns over the impact of capped benefits on meal exports.

Conclusion:

As we conclude our insightful conversation with Vijay Shrishrimal, it becomes evident that the edible oil industry faces a mixed landscape, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon. While weather conditions have influenced soybean crop forecasts, the potential for export markets holds promise for the meal segment. The domestic consumption of edible oils is on a recovery path, even as the government's support becomes crucial to stimulate production and reduce import dependence. As the industry adapts to changing circumstances, collaborative efforts and strategic policies will pave the way for a promising road ahead.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this interview are solely those of Mr. Vijay Shrishrimal, Managing Director, K N Group, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Globoil Post.

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