Tripura is set to significantly enhance its palm oil cultivation, with plans to bring 7,000 hectares of land under palm oil plants by 2026-27. The current cultivation spans 56.35 hectares in the northeastern state. Godrej Agrovet Ltd has established a nursery in Nalkata, Unakoti district, and has introduced palm plants from Andhra Pradesh, covering 52.01 hectares. Additionally, Patanjali Food Pvt Ltd has contributed to the initiative by planting palm plants in 56.35 hectares of land.
Growing Potential and Training Initiatives
Tripura’s Agriculture Minister Pranajit Singha Roy emphasized the state’s promising potential in palm oil cultivation. To harness this potential, 18 officers have been sent to Andhra Pradesh for training, and 2,123 farmers have already received training. Of these farmers, 1,076 have expressed interest in cultivating palm oil plants for enhanced returns.
Long-Term Benefits for Farmers
The oil seed becomes available four years after palm tree plantation and continues to yield for 30 years. Acknowledging the favorable conditions in Tripura for palm oil cultivation, the Agriculture department is committed to exploring this opportunity. If successful, the initiative is expected to bring substantial benefits to farmers in the region.
Palm Oil Landscape in India
Major oil palm-growing states in India include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The global palm oil production is dominated by countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Cambodia, and Thailand, which collectively contribute to 90% of the world’s palm oil production.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
The expansion of palm oil cultivation in Tripura aligns with efforts to boost agricultural productivity and explore economically viable crops. Successful implementation of the plan is anticipated to have a positive economic impact on farmers in the state, opening new avenues for growth and prosperity.
