Chairman of AICOSCA, Sandeep Bajoria; Director of F3 Limited, O.P. Goenka; and others at the 6th Cottonseed, Oil and Meal Conclave 2025, held in Vijayawada on Saturday, August 2, 2025
| Photo Credit:
PHOTO: G N RAO/ The Hindu
The cottonseed, oil and meal trade has called for the adoption of Gujarat’s success to popularise the edible oil in other parts of the country, particularly in the South, among consumers.
Industry leaders, participating in the sixth Cottonseed, Oil, and Meal Conclave 2025, which was held in Vijayawada over the weekend, called for increased investments in branding, digital outreach, and influencer marketing to build awareness in the southern states.
A coordinated industry strategy involving credible storytelling was strongly advocated at the conclave to reshape public perception and unlock the full potential of cottonseed oil in India’s edible oil landscape.
Concerns were raised about declining cotton acreage, prompting calls for an industry-government collaboration to improve productivity and secure raw material availability. Over 60 expert speakers shared insights spanning industry trends, market opportunities, research breakthroughs, and policy imperatives.
Exploring potential
The conclave explored the vast untapped potential of cottonseed and its derivatives to support India’s edible oil self-sufficiency, enhance livestock nutrition, drive rural incomes, and spur innovation.
Held under the theme “Revitalising cottonseed: Growth pathways for oil, meal, and beyond”, the conclave was jointly organised by the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and the All-India Cottonseed Crushers’ Association (AICOSCA).
The deliberations highlighted the nutritional value of cottonseed meal in livestock feed and the need for research and development.
A media statement said that the two-day event brought together over 300 delegates, including policymakers, scientists, researchers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from across India’s cottonseed ecosystem.
Quoting Angshu Mallick, Vice President of SEA, the statement said: “We are thrilled to host the sixth Cottonseed, Oil and Meal Conclave in Vijayawada, a strategically important region for the agricultural sector. This year’s theme underscores our commitment to unlocking the full potential of cottonseed, not just as a source of healthy edible oil, but also as a vital component for the livestock industry and a driver of rural prosperity. The conclave provides an unparalleled opportunity for stakeholders across the entire value chain to collaborate, share insights, and strategise on sustainable growth pathways.”
Flavour yardstick
Sandeep Bajoria, Chairman of AICOSCA, said cottonseed oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in kitchens. It is used as a yardstick for measuring the flavour as well as the odour qualities in other edible oils. It is also a main ingredient in many Oriental dishes. Cottonseed meal is an excellent feed meal ingredient. The conclave is focusing on propagating the use and value of cottonseed oil, advancing processing technologies, and promoting cottonseed-based products, Bajoria said.
BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said cottonseed oil has the potential to become a cornerstone of India’s edible oil ecosystem. It offers a unique blend of health benefits, domestic availability, and rural value creation. “What we need now is a unified push — through policy, innovation, and industry alignment — to elevate its position in the market and reduce our reliance on imports,” Mehta said.
Atul Chaturvedi, Special Advisor to SEA, said that cottonseed oil is a hidden gem, and with smart marketing and the right storytelling, especially in untapped markets like South India, it can emerge as a preferred cooking medium across the country.
Published on August 5, 2025
