Arunachal oil palm

Itanagar, Aug 02: The Arunachal Pradesh government has embarked on an ambitious mega plantation drive to promote oil palm cultivation in the state. The initiative, under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm, aims to cover approximately 700 hectares of land for oil palm plantations across six districts.

The fortnight-long drive commenced on July 29, with active participation from two private companies, 3F Oil Palm Private Limited and Patanjali Foods Limited (formerly Ruchi Soya Industries Limited).

The plantation drive holds significant importance as it aligns with the central government’s vision of self-reliance and promoting domestic production to reduce oil import burdens. Chief Minister Pema Khandu, expressing his enthusiasm on Twitter, highlighted the objective of the initiative. He emphasized the need to augment domestic oil palm cultivation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and strive towards an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Oil palm cultivation plays a crucial role in reducing India’s dependence on imported edible oils. The oil palm tree is a high-yielding crop that can produce a substantial amount of oil per hectare. By expanding oil palm cultivation domestically, Arunachal Pradesh aims to enhance its self-sufficiency in edible oils and contribute to the overall goal of making India self-reliant in the agriculture sector.

Two prominent companies, 3F Oil Palm Private Limited and Patanjali Foods Limited (formerly Ruchi Soya Industries Limited), are actively participating in this significant plantation drive. 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd, a renowned oil palm company with existing projects in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat, has made a significant investment of Rs 250 crores to establish its first integrated oil palm factory in Arunachal Pradesh. The company has acquired 120 acres of land in the Lower Dibang Valley district for the project.

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The factory’s first phase is expected to be commissioned by the end of this year, providing employment opportunities to approximately 300 people in the district. Such initiatives not only contribute to economic development but also promote sustainable agriculture practices, strengthening the state’s economy and the livelihoods of its citizens.

Oil palm cultivation offers numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for the agriculture sector. The crop’s high oil yield per hectare is a key advantage, making it one of the most efficient oil-producing crops globally. Additionally, oil palm cultivation can significantly improve farmers’ income due to the crop’s commercial value.

Moreover, oil palm plantations can also help in land restoration and afforestation efforts. These plantations provide a green cover, contribute to biodiversity conservation, and act as carbon sinks, mitigating the effects of climate change.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged citizens to actively participate in the mega plantation drive, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for a self-reliant, greener, and sustainable future. The success of such initiatives lies in community involvement and cooperation with the private sector. By uniting to promote oil palm cultivation, Arunachal Pradesh can pave the way toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

The Arunachal Pradesh government’s mega plantation drive for oil palm cultivation is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the edible oils sector and contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The active participation of private companies and the support from citizens demonstrate the collective commitment to building a self-sufficient and sustainable future. As oil palm plantations expand, the state can witness socio-economic growth, environmental conservation, and increased agricultural productivity, further strengthening its position on the path to progress.