The ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran escalating to gulf countries, has caused heightened geopolitical tensions in the entire West Asia region, driving uncertainty in the agri-business, besides other sectors of the economy. The instability in the Middle East has affected energy costs, production costs leading to increased price volatility. Additionally, higher tariffs and protectionism have caused shift in global trade routes. Such a challenging environment calls for a continuous process of judicious adaptations to newer ways of dealing with trade. Despite these headwinds, IOPEPC will continue to stay focused on the long-term goals contributing to the growth of the Oilseeds and Oils sectors.
In this context, it is pertinent to place on record our sincere appreciation for the steadfast support extended by Government institutions such as the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), Reserve Bank of India and other allied agencies. Amidst prevailing global uncertainties, their proactive policy measures, timely interventions, and continuous engagement with the exporting community have been instrumental in ensuring seamless trade facilitation and strengthening India's resilience in the global marketplace. Their collective efforts have played a significant role in sustaining and enhancing the country's export performance despite challenging conditions.
I am happy to announce that IOPEPC is gearing up to organise the Annual Capacity Building Programme and Trade Meet on 9th May 2026 in Rajkot, Gujarat, with a focused objective of strengthening the ecosystem of Groundnut, Sesame and other Oilseeds and enhancing India's export competitiveness. The event is marked by a conference where eminent speakers and industry experts will gather to deliberate on market trends, export opportunities, quality standards in Oilseed sector. The highlights of the event are the presentation of Rabi (Summer) Crop Survey 2026 estimates for Sesame and Groundnut and release of the Summer Groundnut and Sesame Crop Survey results. The surveys were conducted across the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, through the independent survey agency.
It is interesting to note that the crop survey incorporated advanced technologies including remote sensing, Geographic Information System (GIS), and scientific modelling techniques to ensure accurate crop area assessment, acreage validation, and yield estimation.
We invite you to participate in this most prestigious Capacity Building Programme and Trade Meet to take benefit of the latest findings in the crop survey, which will enable participants to have a more informed decision-making process, in strengthening India's position on the global map of Groundnut and Sesame seeds.
Inspite of the tensions prevailing in West Asia, India was able to maintain its Oilseeds export performance with respect to Sesame seeds, during the period April - February 2025 - 2026, recording a growth rate of 9.71% in quantity term, wherein 2,49,642.35 MT was exported, as compared to the same period in the previous year with 2,27,554.40 MT. The major importing countries were South Korea, Vietnam, China, Russia and USA.
Similarly, Groundnut exports during April - February 2025 - 2026 was 6,34,931.00 MT and the major importing countries were Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and UAE.
As we move to the next financial year 2026-27, we remain committed to our efforts in consolidating the Council's position in facilitating engagement with the government, industry and all stakeholders in India's Oilseeds sector. We thank our exporters, farmers, policymakers who are part of this journey in strengthening India's position in the international Oilseeds trade, as they continue to look for new global opportunities.
Rajesh Bheda
Vice Chairperson
Indian Oilseeds And Produce Export Promotion Council (IOPEPC)