The cultivation of palm oil, a lucrative cash crop, has gained momentum in Tripura. The state government is providing financial and technical assistance to farmers to encourage them to adopt oil palm cultivation, said Ratan Lal Nath, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Nath was speaking recently during his participation in the International Oil Palm Conference and Exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Taking to social media, Minister Nath emphasized the burgeoning success of oil palm cultivation in Tripura. He said, “I attended the International Oil Palm Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and gained comprehensive knowledge about the global potential of this crop and its advantageous impact on farmers. I am optimistic that this venture will contribute to the economic prosperity of farmers in Tripura.”
During his visit to Malaysia, he also visited the International Research Center for Oil Palm to explore technological advancements in the cultivation process and identify ways Tripura can leverage these innovations.
According to sources, the agriculture department has partnered with prominent processors, Godrej Agrovet and Patanjali Foods, for the implementation of NMEO-OP (National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm) in Tripura.
Godrej Agrovet has been assigned districts including Unakoti, North, and Dhalai, while Patanjali Foods will oversee districts like Khowai, West, Sepahijala, Gomati, and South.
This collaboration aims to further enhance the cultivation and processing of oil palm in the region, fostering economic growth for farmers.
Oil palm is a highly productive crop that can yield up to 10 times more oil per hectare than other oilseeds. It is also a relatively low-maintenance crop, making it ideal for smallholder farmers. Moreover, oil palm cultivation can provide a number of environmental benefits, such as reducing soil erosion and sequestering carbon dioxide.
Oil palm cultivation can be a significant source of income for farmers. Oil palm prices have been steadily increasing in recent years, and the crop is in high demand both domestically and internationally. Tripura’s partnership with Godrej Agrovet and Patanjali Foods is expected to ensure that farmers have access to a stable market for their produce.
Besides, Oil palm cultivation is also a sustainable option, as it can be grown on land that is unsuitable for other crops.
Agartala based Agri-experts opined, the cultivation of oil palm in Tripura is a promising development that has the potential to transform the lives of farmers and boost the state’s economy.