Over 15,000 Farmers Join Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive, Covering 17,000 Hectares
11 December 2024, New Delhi: The Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive 2024, held between 15th July and 30th September, marked a significant milestone in promoting sustainable oil palm cultivation across India. During the drive, approximately 25 lakh planting materials were distributed among 15,755 farmers, enabling the cultivation of oil palm across 17,000 hectares of potential land.
The plantation drive is part of the government’s initiative to boost oil palm cultivation in agro-climatically suitable areas without compromising environmental sustainability. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR-IIOPR), oil palm cultivation requires less water than crops like banana, sugarcane, and rice. It does not negatively impact underground water availability, and the government further supports sustainable practices by providing subsidies for drip irrigation systems, ensuring optimal water use.
Oil palm also contributes to maintaining soil fertility, as it generates high biomass through leaves and empty fruit bunches, which naturally replenish soil nutrients. This environmentally conscious approach to cultivation aligns with India’s broader goals of enhancing productivity while preserving natural resources.
This update was shared by Mr. Ram Nath Thakur, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
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