Northeast India sees economic upswing with Mega Oil Palm plantation drive

The mega oil plantation drive organized between July & August, 2023 witnessed participation from the North East (NE) states – Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Mizoram, and Nagaland. Northeast India is witnessing a surge in economic prospects with the Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive.

Covering 750 hectares across 19 districts, this initiative aligns seamlessly with the National Mission for Edible Oils- Oil Palm, targeting a boost in domestic crude palm oil production.The Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) identifies the North East as a key contributor, with 9.62 lakh hectares of cultivable land.

Sougata Niyogi, CEO of Oil Palm Plantation Business, elucidates on the financial advantages, “Oil Palm, with its high yield potential of 4-5 tonnes per hectare annually, not only promises self-sufficiency but also a significant reduction in import dependency.”Highlighting the water efficiency of oil palm cultivation, Niyogi states, “Compared to sugarcane and paddy, oil palm requires a fraction of water, making it a judicious choice for sustainable agriculture.”