State Government Provides Top-Up Support to Boost Farmers’ Income and Reduce Edible Oil Imports
Published on: January 14, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Under the joint initiative of the Government of India and the State Government, farmers in the district are being encouraged to take up oil palm cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) scheme. The objective of the mission is to make the country self-reliant in edible oils, achieve national production targets, and ensure long-term income growth for farmers.
In addition to the central subsidy provided for oil palm plantation, the State Government has announced additional “top-up” subsidies across various components to reduce the initial financial burden on farmers and promote large-scale adoption of the crop.
According to the Assistant Director of Horticulture, oil palm is a long-term, low-labour and high-yielding crop with minimal risk of pest and disease infestation. Once planted, production begins from the fourth year and continues consistently for 25 to 30 years. Compared to traditional oilseed crops, oil palm offers 4 to 6 times higher oil yield per hectare, making it a sustainable and economically beneficial option for farmers.
Considering the high initial investment and a gestation period of three to four years, the government has provisioned a minimum subsidy of ₹1.30 lakh per hectare for oil palm plantation, along with additional top-up assistance. Under the maintenance component, the existing subsidy of ₹5,250 per hectare has been increased by ₹1,500, raising it to ₹6,750 per hectare.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/todays-youth-are-the-architects-of-tomorrows-golden-future-mayor-madhusudan-yadav/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/paddy-procurement-drive-brings-cheer-to-farmers-in-rajnandgaon-2/
Similarly, for intercropping, farmers are being provided a total subsidy of ₹10,250 per hectare after enhancement. Farmers adopting drip irrigation will receive a total subsidy of ₹22,765 per hectare, including an additional assistance of ₹8,635. For protecting oil palm plants and intercrops from animals, fencing support of ₹54,485 per hectare is also being provided.
Overall, the State Government is offering up to ₹69,620 per hectare as additional subsidy under maintenance, fencing, intercropping, and drip irrigation components to farmers undertaking oil palm cultivation.
Farmers interested in availing benefits under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm scheme can contact officials of the Horticulture Department or authorised representative companies for detailed information, technical guidance, and plantation support.
