Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive: Over 17 lakh Saplings Planted; Benefitting 10,000 Farmers

The National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) has achieved a significant milestone with the planting of over 17 lakh oil palm saplings, covering more than 12,000 hectares across 15 states in India. This initiative, launched on July 15, 2024, aims to increase oil palm cultivation and reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils. The drive will benefit over 10,000 farmers and is expected to significantly contribute to India's self-sufficiency in edible oils.

The Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive has seen enthusiastic participation from various states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Organized in collaboration with leading oil palm processing companies, such as Patanjali Food Pvt. Ltd., Godrej Agrovet and 3F Oil Palm Ltd., the drive has included awareness workshops, plantation campaigns, and promotional events.

The NMEO-OP, launched in August 2021, seeks to establish a value chain ecosystem for the development of the oil palm sector. By expanding oil palm cultivation, the mission aims to increase domestic CPO production, reduce imports, and improve the incomes of Indian farmers. The Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive is a crucial part of this broader strategy.

As the drive continues until September 15, 2024, it is expected to further contribute to India's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils.