Boosting Oil Production: Meeting to provide technology for refining the edible oil

The Ministry of Industry held a meeting to provide technology for refining the edible oil on Friday. Union Minister Dr Charlie Than discussed that although there are cultivation of various oil bearing crops in the country, only peanut and sesame oil have been widely produced and used in local consumption.

He stressed to produce edible oil from various oil bearing crops including sunflower, palm oil, mustard, soy bean, cotton seed and bran for substitution of imported oil. He called for cooperation and coordination among the ministries and private organizations in extended cultivation of oil bearing crops and upgrading the oil mills.

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Tin Htut Oo also discussed to make cooperative efforts for sufficiency of edible oil for local consumption and producing the refined oil. Union Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development U Hla Moe discussed that the ministry is encouraging for establishment of small-scale oil mills and also providing assistance to the farmers in cultivating the oil bearing crops through the cooperatives associations.

He pledged to provide raw materials for oil mills and development of cottage industry. Union Minister for Commerce U Aung Naing Oo also discussed the arrangements to be made for operating full capacity of local oil mills, and to provide technical assistance for oil refining process.

Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Myo Thein Kyaw stressed the needs to standardize the products, and the ministry will provide assistance for standardization, laboratory test and technology. The attendees also discussed for long term development of oil milling industry, oil refining process, plans for development loans, standardization, knowledge on FDA and market condition.