India: Oilseeds and Products Update

FAS New Delhi reduced its initial forecast for India's 2025/26 rapeseed harvested area and production, primarily due to farmers shifting from rapeseed to wheat cultivation in pursuit of higher returns. Post also revised down rapeseed meal production from initial projections, mainly due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between India and Bangladesh that have disrupted trade. Despite this, strong demand from the domestic market and China is expected to keep production above 2024/25 levels. Post revised down the rapeseed oil production estimate by two percent to 4.2 MMT, reflecting updated acreage and output figures, though production remains above last year's level due to favorable weather, improved seed varieties, and higher oil content. Consumption estimates have also been lowered to 4 MMT based on revised crushing figures; however, consumption still exceeds 2024/25 levels, supported by steady demand for rapeseed oil's health benefits and its continued popularity, especially in rural households.