India imports nearly 10 million tonnes of palm oil each year—making it a cornerstone of the country’s food system and a subject of intense debate. In this episode of Businessline’s Agrispective Podcast, host Subramani Ra Mancombu speaks with Sumit Roy, Assistant General Manager, Palm Oil Programme at Solidaridad Asia, to unpack the complexities surrounding this widely used yet controversial commodity.

As Sumit Roy emphasises, “the priority should be responsible production—enforcing no deforestation, no peat, no exploitation, while improving yields rather than expanding cultivation.” The episode also explores India’s growing influence in shaping global supply chains, the importance of traceability and sustainable sourcing, and how consumer awareness is driving change.

Reinforcing the big picture, Roy notes that “sustainability, food security, and inclusive growth are not conflicting—they go hand in hand when palm oil is produced responsibly.” Tune in for a nuanced discussion on how India can lead the way in creating a palm oil ecosystem that supports both people and the planet.

(Host: Subramani Ra Mancombu; Producer: Prethicshaa Gurumoorthy, Siddharth MC)

Published on June 9, 2026