Indian Oilseeds scenario is highly complex.  India grows nine annual oilseed seed crops and several perennial oils bearing tree crops.  These oilseed crops are widely distributed in various agro-ecological zones of the country.  Researchers, developmental agencies, policy makers and industries are making concerted efforts.   To support and sustain their effort and being necessary exchange of information and ideas a strong need for a starting a scientific society related to all in bringing together all the personnel, organizations and Institutions interested in or engaged in research, development, technology and allied products connected with oilseeds was strongly felt.   In the AICRP workshop on oilseeds held in 1982 at the University of Agricultural Sciences , Bangalore , the group proposed to form a scientific society.  Accordingly, the Indian Society of Oilseeds Research (ISOR) was started and was registered   in the office of the Registrar of Societies, Hyderabad on 14^th December, 1983 (Registration No.2049) under the Andhra Pradesh (Telangana Area) Public Societies Registration Act 1350 Fasli (Act I of 1350F).

            Dr. O.P.Gautam and Dr.N.S.Randhwa, the then DGs, ICAR were patrons and Dr. M.V.Rao, Special DG, ICAR was the first President of ISOR and guided the activities of the society till 1990.  Distinguished past presidents of the Society who have strengthened the society by providing constant support to various activities include Former Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR,, Padma Bhushan Dr.R.S.Paroda (1990-93); Padma Bhushan Dr.V.L.Chopra (1994-95); Dr.E.A.Sidiq, DDG(CS) (1996-97) and Dr.Mangala Rai DDG(CS) (1998-2003) presently Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR.  The present President of the Society Padma Sree Dr. M.V.Rao is re-elected as President of the Society for 2008-2009.

            ISOR started publish biennial scientific Journal  “Journal of Oilseeds Research” from 1984.  Now, the journal is brought out at regular intervals and has wide circulation.  Based on the quality of publications regularity and quality of print the journal has been graded from B grade  as "A" by ICAR for providing matching grant from 2005 onwards and the matching grant applicable to A grade society is continuously received by ISOR as on date. 

            Since its inception in 1983, the Society has expanded continuously and has 1020 Life members and more than 200 Annual memebers.   The Society has honoured the personnel who have rendered special services to the progress of the oilseed sector in the country and the life members have been honoured as Fellows of ISOR for their contributions to oilseed research and development in the country.