IVPA Global Roundtable 4.0 Catalyses Dialogue on India’s Vision for a Self-Reliant Edible Oil Sector
The Indian Vegetable Oil Producers’ Association (IVPA) successfully hosted the IVPA Global Roundtable 4.0 on July 24–25, 2025, in New Delhi, themed “Navigating Tectonic Global Shifts”. The two-day flagship event brought together all the policymakers, global market leaders, and domain experts on a single platform to deliberate on the major transformations influencing the global edible oil economy and to articulate India’s strategic roadmap toward a resilient and self-reliant edible oil sector.
During his Inaugural Address in the conference, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, stated that India stands at a pivotal moment in the global edible oil trade. He urged the industry to accelerate value addition, leverage innovation, and adopt advanced agri-tech solutions to strengthen domestic capacities and enhance global competitiveness. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment to Atmanirbharta in Edible Oils, the hon’ble Minister, underscored the importance of reducing import dependence and conserving foreign exchange as key national imperatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, highlighted the essential role of precision agriculture, biotechnology, and smart farming in improving oilseed productivity and sustainability. He outlined Government-led initiatives such as the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds, which together involve investments exceeding ₹34,000 crore to accelerate domestic production and reduce reliance on imports.
Global Experts Provide In-Depth Insights on Market Trends and Shifting Trade Dynamics
The Roundtable featured a distinguished panel of global experts who shared perspectives on emerging trends, evolving trade flows, price volatility, and policy directions influencing the edible oil sector:
Mr. Sandeep Bhan, CEO, SD Guthrie International Trading Pte Ltd, Singapore, spoke on Balancing the Basket: Palm Oil Outlook in the Global Tug-of-War with Competing Oils.
Dr. Sathia Varqa, Senior Analyst, Fastmarkets Palm Oil Analytics, analyzed Palm & Laurics 2025: Navigating Price Volatility Amid Global Supply, Demand & Trade Shifts.
Dr. Julian C. McGill, Managing Director, Glenauk Economics, UK, discussed Global Production & Demand Shifts – Winners and Losers.
Mr. David Mielke, Director, ISTA Mielke GmbH (OIL WORLD), Germany, explored Global Shocks and Shifts: Major Macro Forces Redefining the Edible Oil Landscape.
Mr. Nagaraj Meda, CMD, TransGraph Consulting, shared his analysis on Macroeconomics, Crude, Biodiesel Impact, and Vegetable Oil Prices.
Speakers from leading palm-oil-producing nations added depth to the global conversation:
Ms. Belvinder Sron, CEO, Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC), discussed Navigating Trade, Tariffs and Trust: Positioning Malaysian Palm Oil for the Indian Market.
Mr. Asanee Mallamphut, Chairman, Thai Palm Oil Refinery Association, shared Thailand’s Agri-Trade Outlook and Supply Chain Strengthening Strategies.
Mr. Mariano Beheran, Agriculture Attaché, Argentina, outlined Argentina’s Oilseed Export Strategy: Managing Currency Risk and Enhancing Global Reach.
Dr. M. Fadhil Hasan, Senior Economist & Head of Foreign Affairs, Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI) , examined Indonesia’s Balancing Act: Sustainability Mandates and Competitive Advantage in Global Markets.
Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, Director General, MPOB, spoke on Malaysia’s Palm Oil Strategy: Sustaining Global Leadership in a Carbon-Conscious Economy.
IVPA Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Growth
IVPA President, Mr.Sudhakar Desai commended the Government’s collaborative and forward-looking approach and reiterated the industry’s commitment to advancing sustainable self-sufficiency. He emphasized that value addition, innovation, technology adoption, and balanced policy frameworks are essential to building a robust and future-ready edible oil ecosystem.