He also said that his ministry would look into the issue of making Agmark mandatory in the wake of the recent adulteration of mustard oil. The government has recognised the limitation of oil millers in detecting the presence of argemone seed in mustard and, thus has prescribed sensitive tests like thin layer chromatography (TLC) to detect the presence of argemone oil in mustard oil, he said. Secretary (sugar and edible oils) in the ministry of food and consumer affairs RP Sinha pressed the need for developing technologies for detoxification of oilcakes to make them attractive in the international market.

The government is also considering a proposal to dereserve the crushing of major oilseeds namely groundnut, mustard, rapeseed and sesameseed, which at presnt is reserved for the small scale sector and oilseed growers' cooperatives, he added.

The second of its kind in the country since last year, the conference will also deal with future and options trading and biotechnology evolution in the oilseed complex.

A comprehensive exhibition concurrent with the conference is also being held, which features the latest technology related to the industry.

The conference, aimed at creating an environment conducive for information updates and discussions regarding the identification and development of new markets, technology transfers, potentials for domestic and foreign investments, collaborations and research, is being attended by about 300 participants from India and abroad. The eminent speakers include James Fry, LMC International of the UK, MartinCawood, Unilever Raw Materials BV of Netherlands, Dough Christy of Cargill Asia Pacific Ltd and Jhon Baize of the US.