Palm oil conclave 2025 pushes for science-led narrative, busts myths around palm oil

The Palm Oil Conclave 2025 organised by the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), Solidaridad Asia (part of the global Solidaridad Network, an international (NGO) focused on sustainable supply chains) and The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) concluded in Bhopal with a strong science backed push to counter long standing myths about palm oil and promote a balanced understanding of its role in health markets and sustainability.

Held under the theme “Reshaping Perceptions through Palm Oil Dialogues - Health, Markets, Climate” the conclave brought together more than 200 experts from nutrition science medicine food processing FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) journalism, academia, industry and consumer groups. The key message was that India needs fact based communication and science driven public awareness about palm oil.

Welcoming participants, Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman of APOA said India has long been influenced by external narratives that do not match the nations needs. He said the conclave reaffirmed that India is ready to build its own informed and transparent approach to palm oil especially at a time when consumer trust is crucial.

Dr Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, highlighted that palm oil has often suffered from misleading or incomplete information. He said that with frameworks like the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) initiative, the industry can build a responsible supply chain that benefits farmers, protects the environment and grows sustainably.

Experts from the National Institute of Nutrition and leading medical institutions addressed common misconceptions about palm oil explaining its fatty acid profile, its safe use in Indian diets and its importance for national food security. Senior journalist Mrityunjay Kumar Jha addressed public and media concerns about palm oil, clarifying that it is safe, nutrient-rich, and sustainably produced in India. He emphasized replacing myths with science-backed understanding of its health, environmental, and economic benefits.

Dr Suresh Motwani, Secretary General of the Asian Palm Oil Alliance said palm oil should be seen as a strategic tool for India’s food and nutrition security noting that it is rich in essential vitamins, contains balanced fatty acids and is among the most efficient oil crops globally.

Sougata Niyogi, CEO of the Oil Palm Business at Godrej Agrovet, said the conclave comes at a time when citizens are increasingly focused on health and sustainability. He said open dialogue and practical solutions are essential to developing a resilient and responsible palm oil ecosystem.

B V Mehta Executive Director of the Solvent Extractors Association of India said that self reliance in edible oils begins in Indian fields. With better seeds, scientific support and modern processing systems India can significantly raise domestic palm oil production.

The conclave also hosted a large exhibition displaying a range of palm oil based products from everyday edible oils to innovative value added items. The exhibition attracted thousands of visitors from industry academia and the general public highlighting the versatility of palm oil in India.

A major highlight was the launch of the book “Oil Palm Statistics in India Trends and Insights” which presents production data, global comparisons policies and future directions for the sector. Solidaridad also showcased climate smart agricultural innovations including weather advisory services and soil health restoration methods to support farmers.

Messages from World Food Prize Laureate Prof Rattan Lal and Izzana Salleh, Secretary General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) emphasised the importance of sustainability, soil conservation and international collaboration.

India currently produces around 0.4 to 0.45 million tonnes of palm oil annually which is small compared to its consumption of around 10 million tonnes. Palm oil production is concentrated mainly in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and the North Eastern states. Despite fluctuating import trends, palm oil remains widely used in India making up about 37 to 38 percent of the nation's total edible oil consumption. It continues to be used in household cooking packaged foods and the restaurant sector because of its stability, affordability and versatility.