The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) and All-India Cottonseed Crushers’ Association (AICOSCA) will host the sixth SEA-AICOSCA Cottonseed, Oil and Meal Conclave in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on August 2-3.
With the theme ‘Revitalising Cottonseed: Growth Pathways for Oil, Meal, and Beyond’, the conclave will explore ways to maximise the potential of cottonseed oil and its by-products to enhance India’s edible oil security, livestock feed industry, and rural economy.
Quoting Sanjeev Asthana, President of SEA, a media statement said that India produces 12 lakh tonnes (lt) of cottonseed oil annually, making it the third-largest edible oil after soyabean and rapeseed. It is widely used in Gujarat for cooking due to its superior frying properties. Its adoption in other regions remains limited and is mainly consumed by institutional buyers such as restaurants and food processors. “Through this conclave we envisage to improve the awareness and encourage adoption of cottonseed oil for domestic consumption,” he said.
Various uses
BV Mehta, Executive Director of SEA, said the current production of cottonseed oil is about 11.5-12 lt per annum. However, India’s potential to produce cottonseed oil is about 18 lt. This can be harnessed, if the cottonseed is processed by the modern scientific methods. This will also help meet the growing requirement of edible oil and reduce dependence on import of edible oils, he said.
Sandeep Bajoria, Chairman of AICOSCA, said cottonseed offers a wide range of valuable applications. Cottonseed oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in kitchens. It is used as a yardstick for measuring the flavour as well as odour qualities in other edible oils. It is also one of the main ingredients in most oriental dishes, he said.
Cottonseed meal is an excellent feed meal ingredient. The conclave will focus on propagating the use and value of cottonseed oil, advancing processing technologies, and promoting cottonseed meal’s role in dairy nutrition, he said.
P Veera Narayan, Vice-Chairman of AICOSCA and Director of Sri Dhanalakshmi Cotton and Rice Mills Pvt Ltd, Guntur, said the conclave will focus on revitalizing cottonseed oil processing and usage in the country.
The programme will include keynote speeches, expert panels, and discussions on value chain development, innovations, and price trends. More than 300 delegates, including scientists, industry leaders, and traders, are expected to participate in this national platform, fostering collaboration and sustainable growth in the sector, the statement said.
Published on July 15, 2025
