India has extended the suspension of trading in derivative contracts for key farm commodities until late 2024 in an effort to curb food inflation. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initially ordered a year-long suspension in 2021, which was later extended until December 2023. The suspension affects futures contracts for commodities such as soybeans, crude palm oil, wheat, rice, chickpeas, and rapeseed mustard. The move has been criticized by industry experts who argue that the vegetable oil industry needs a hedging mechanism to navigate global market turbulence.