One-day exposure visit organised in Mahasamund to promote oil palm as an alternative to paddy cultivation
Published on: January 19, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
In an effort to promote oil palm cultivation and ensure effective implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), a one-day educational exposure visit and training programme was organised for farmers and horticulture department officials of Rajnandgaon district.
Considering the changing agricultural scenario, declining groundwater levels and limited profitability of traditional crops, oil palm cultivation is being encouraged as a viable alternative to paddy farming. Under the initiative, 70 farmers along with departmental officials visited Bhalesar village in Mahasamund district to gain first-hand knowledge and practical exposure to oil palm farming.
During the training programme, participants were provided detailed technical guidance on land selection, planting distance, irrigation management, nutrient and fertiliser management, and pest and disease control in oil palm cultivation. Information regarding financial assistance and subsidies available under the NMEO-OP scheme was also shared with the farmers.
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The Assistant Director of Horticulture informed that oil palm is a perennial crop with an economic life span of 25 to 30 years, and commercial production begins within four to five years of plantation. He stated that the primary objective of the programme is to encourage farmers to adopt oilseed crops, enhance domestic edible oil production and increase farmers’ income.
Progressive farmers of Bhalesar village shared their experiences of oil palm cultivation, highlighting its long-term economic benefits. Farmers from Rajnandgaon expressed keen interest in adopting oil palm farming after witnessing the success of the crop.
Participants were also informed that, in addition to the central government subsidy, the state government provides additional top-up incentives under various components of the scheme to farmers opting for oil palm cultivation.
Officials emphasised that adopting oil palm as part of crop diversification in paddy-dominated regions will not only enhance farmers’ income but also contribute significantly towards making the country self-reliant in edible oil production.
