Hyderabad 23rd April 2023: The 7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO)-2023 in Hyderabad concluded on a successful note. Over 600 delegates representing the rice bran oil industry including special invitees from all the Rice Bran Oil producing countries like India, China, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and Bangladesh attended the conference for a closer interaction for promoting Rice Bran Oil and its value-added products. The conference provided a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products and disseminate information on the latest technologies. The delegates discussed the latest research on Rice Bran Oil and the value-added products and country-specific challenges in promoting Rice Bran Oil.
To involve and encourage more research on Rice Bran Oil, ICRBO-2023, instituted the JR Agro Innovation Awards. They were presented to outstanding research by scientists and students from universities and research institutions. Amongst the Scientists the 1st prize was presented to Dr. Ajay P Raval, Kamdhenu University, 2nd prize to Dr. Amit Ranjan, TNJFU – Institute of Fisheries and 3rd prize to Dr. Avish Dwarakadas Maru, Principal, Dr. JD Pawar College of Pharmacy. In the student’s category the winners were 1st prize to Olivia Dhara from CSIR – Institute of Chemical Technology, 2nd prize to Kakoli Pegu, Institute of Chemical Technology and the 3rd prize to Vikano Ksh from Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
Lauding the efforts of the edible oil industry Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt, Ministry of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department, Govt. of Telangana said, “Telangana is witnessing a Yellow revolution with the growth in Edible oil production. The Government is continuously focusing on building Agri infrastructure in the state and 60% of the Government budget is on Agri growth. The Government is always encouraging industry and has a unique platform TS-IPass to facilitate entry into the state. A few years ago we had a problem of plenty with Rice production but we have now transferred about 20L hectares of land for the cultivation of oil palm. With this, Telangana has the largest area under oil production. This offers great economic benefits by reducing the country’s import dependency on edible oils and fuelling growth. We have set up special food processing zones in Telangana, and offer the best infrastructure and support systems for growth. I am delighted to see such a huge gathering of Edible oil stalwarts and it’s an honour that such a prestigious conference is being organized in Hyderabad”
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Jhunjhuwala, President, of The Solvent Extractors Association of India said, “The 7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO) was a huge success and we are thrilled to receive such an amazing response. This is the 2nd time that India is hosting the conference. At ICRBO 2023, we had the leading experts and researchers in the field to explore the latest developments and advancements in this important area through Technical, and Nutritional sessions. The conference provided a unique opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on new initiatives for the research on rice bran oil and its value-added products and improve the usage of this ‘Wonder oil’. The sessions helped the delegates understand the latest information on the nutritional research on rice bran oil, wastage minimization, R&D, Marketing, and dynamiting future advancements. We hope the JR Agro innovation awards given at the conference, would encourage more research and innovation in the field of Rice Bran Oil.”
Adding to this, Dr. B.V. Mehta, Secretary General, IARBO & Executive Director, SEA India said “ I want to thank all the delegates and participants for making the International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO) an interactive and successful event. India is the 2nd largest producer of rice in the world and rice contributes almost 40% of total agriculture production in the country. India is also the largest producer of Rice bran oil in the world producing 1.05 Mn Tonnes of rice bran oil against a potential of 1.9 Mn Tonnes. In India, which is primarily dependent on imported edible oil, the increased acceptance and consumption of Rice Bran Oil will help reduce the dependence on imported edible oil, and help farmers get a better return for their produce. The edible oil Industry and SEA have worked on a sustained campaign since 2005 to increase awareness about rice bran oil and help increase its acceptance as a very good and healthy cooking oil however still a lot needs to be done. Rice Bran Oil is a nutritionally superior edible oil providing immense benefits for the heart and for general health and is a healthier alternative to your existing cooking Medium for a ‘Healthy, Happy Family.’”
