The government has said that edible oil imports are required to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption in the country. <br/><br/>Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha today, Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government's intention is to make the country self-sufficient in edible oils and enhance the production of oilseeds. This is why Minimum Support Price is announced to give an impetus to farmers. <br/><br/>She said palm oil is a major item of import because it is the cheapest. This impacts the domestic output of edible oils. The Minister said the government always upholds the interests of the farmers, processors and consumers.