The recently held ‘Palm Oil Conclave 2025,’ organized by the Asian Palm Oil Alliance (APOA), Solidaridad, and the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA), emphasized the necessity for evidence-based communication and scientifically-informed public understanding of palm oil within India.
At the conclave in Bhopal, Atul Chaturvedi, Chairman of APOA, underscored the importance of India asserting its own narrative on palm oil. “India has long been influenced by external narratives, many of which do not reflect our realities or our needs. Today’s deliberations illustrate that India is ready to navigate its own informed path, grounded in facts, transparency, and collaboration. This conclave has provided clarity at a time when consumer trust is essential,” he stated.
Shatadru Chattopadhayay, Managing Director of Solidaridad Asia, highlighted the influence of science in shaping a balanced public perception about palm oil. “Palm oil has suffered from fragmented and often misleading information. Through dialogues like these, supported by the India Palm Oil Sustainability (IPOS) framework, we are building a resilient and responsible supply chain that benefits farmers and protects the environment. Today’s discussions reaffirmed that sustainability and growth must progress in tandem,” he remarked.
Suresh Motwani, Secretary General of APOA, characterized palm oil as more than just a commodity, viewing it as a strategic solution for India’s food and nutrition security. “The evidence is clear — palm oil contains essential vitamins and balanced fatty acids, making it one of the most efficient crops globally. It is time to replace myths with meaningful, research-driven conversations,” he asserted.
Sougata Niyogi, CEO of Oil Palm Business at Godrej Agrovet Ltd., pointed out that the conclave arrives at a critical juncture amid growing consumer interest in health and sustainability. “As citizens prioritize health and improved nutrition, it is vital for us to come together to build a shared understanding and direction. This conclave serves as a platform for open dialogue, practical solutions, and stronger collaboration to create a more resilient and responsible palm oil ecosystem for India,” he noted.
BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, stated, “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat begins in our fields. When we empower farmers with better seeds, scientific knowledge, fair markets, and modern processing systems, India can naturally advance towards self-reliance in edible oils. The potential is enormous; we must harness it with commitment and consistency.”
More than 200 experts from various fields including nutrition science, medical practice, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), food processing, academia, and industry participated in the conclave, underscoring the collaborative effort to address the challenges and opportunities related to palm oil in India.
Published on December 9, 2025.
