7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO) inaugurated

Hyderabad 22nd April 2023: The International Association of Rice Bran Oil (IARBO) in association with The Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA) organized the 7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO)-2023 in Hyderabad. The theme of ICRBO 2023 is Awesome Rice Bran Oil for Sustainable Ecosystem (ARISE). Mr. The conference was inaugurated by Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, CEO, FSSAI & Secretary, Government of India, along with Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Principal Secretary to Govt, Ministry of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications Department, Govt. of Telangana, in the presence of Mr. Ashok Sethia, President, IARBO, Mr. Ajay Jhunjhuwala, President, of SEA India, Dr. B.V.Mehta, Secretary General, of IARBO & Executive Director, of SEA India, Dr. Prabodh Halde, Convener, ICRBO Conference, edible oil industry leaders, international delegates and other industry representatives. Over 500 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.

Speaking on the occasion 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. We have offered direct benefits to farmers with Rythu Bandhu and crop insurance benefits through Rythu Bima. We have set up Agri University for research and development. 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. Telangana is strategically located in heart of the country and can be easily accessed with logistic connectivity. 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”

Lifetime achievement awards were presented to industry veterans for their contribution to the identification, research, and promotion of Rice Bran Oil. Mr. O. P. Goenka – Pioneer in Rice Bran Oil In India. Dr. V. Prakash- Scientific contribution for promoting RBO as edible oil, Dr. RBN Prasad-Revolutionary development of Enzymatic degumming process. Dr. A R Sharma- Visionary Leadership in Promoting branded RBO, Dr. Xuebing Xu- Scientific contribution in value addition of Rice Bran Oil (China) and Dr. Riantong Singanusong- Founder of IARBO & ICRBO and Product development of Rice Bran (Thailand)

Speaking at the conference, Mr. G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, IAS, CEO, FSSAI & Secretary, Government of India said, “India has a huge import bill for edible oil and is essential commodity for the people . The government is increasing excise duties on some edible oils to encourage the use of domestic oils. Rice Bran oil, with all its benefits, can help bridge the gap as it has a huge potential. In fact, in the recent budget, a lot of emphasis was made on nutrition security. Edible Oils are a very important source of nutrition. Even historically, oils were a main source of nutrition in India. Already, the fortification of rice with iron, folic acid, and B12 for school children is being done. Research organizations should focus on identifying ways to enhance the nutritional value of edible oils. FSSAI should set standards to ensure the implementation and production of fortified edible oils. India also witnesses a lot of adulteration in food products, this needs to be stopped. Consumers should be educated about the health benefits of edible oils like Til, Groundnut, and rice bran oil. The best way forward for India is to increase oil cultivation, increase extraction, and spread the education about benefits of Indian oils to increase consumption, this will help reduce the price and enhance the consumption of Rice Bran Oil.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Jhunjhuwala, President, of The Solvent Extractors Association of India said, “We are thrilled to host the 7th International Conference on Rice Bran Oil (ICRBO) organized by the International Association of Rice Bran Oil (IARBO) at Hyderabad. This is the 2nd time India is hosting the conference. At ICRBO 2023, we have the leading experts and researchers in the field to explore the latest developments and advancements in this important area through Technical, and Nutritional sessions. This conference is a unique opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on new initiatives that will help improve the research on rice bran oil and its value-added products and improve the usage of this ‘Wonder oil’. I am sure the sessions will help us understand the latest information on the nutritional research on rice bran oil, wastage minimization, R&D, Marketing, and dynamiting future advancements. As an industry we need to look at innovative ”