Farmers in India have been struggling to find sustainable and profitable crops to cultivate for years. However, with the implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oil Palm) scheme, farmers have found a new ray of hope. This scheme, which was launched in 2015 by the Indian government, aims to increase the production of edible oil in the country by promoting the cultivation of oil palm, a highly lucrative crop. And according to Godrej Agrovet’s Sougata Niyogi, more and more farmers are now opting for oil palm cultivation, thanks to this scheme.
Oil palm is a tropical crop that is primarily grown for its oil, which is used in various food products, cosmetics, and even biofuels. India has been heavily dependent on imports for its edible oil needs, which not only puts a strain on our economy but also affects the livelihoods of our farmers. However, with the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oil Palm) scheme in place, the government is aiming to reduce our dependence on imports and make India self-sufficient in edible oil production.
One of the major reasons why farmers are now turning to oil palm cultivation is because of the attractive incentives provided by the government under this scheme. The government provides financial assistance of up to 80% of the cost of planting material and 50% of the cost of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, making it a highly profitable venture for farmers. Additionally, the government also offers subsidies for equipment, irrigation, and other infrastructure required for oil palm cultivation.
Sougata Niyogi, the Business Head of Oil Palm at Godrej Agrovet, further explains that the scheme also provides technical support to farmers through training programs and demonstrations. This has helped in increasing the knowledge and skills of farmers, thus improving the overall productivity and quality of oil palm. The company has also been actively involved in promoting oil palm cultivation among farmers and has set up oil palm research and development centers across the country.
Apart from the financial incentives and technical support, oil palm cultivation also has several other benefits for farmers. It is a low-maintenance crop that requires less water and can be grown on a wide range of soil types. The crop also has a long economic life of 25-30 years, providing a steady source of income for farmers. Moreover, the oil palm trees have multiple uses, as the leaves can be used for making brooms and the empty fruit bunches can be used as fuel, thus providing additional income to farmers.
The success of the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oil Palm) scheme can be seen in the increasing number of farmers opting for oil palm cultivation. According to Sougata Niyogi, over 1.5 lakh hectares of land has been brought under oil palm cultivation in the last five years, and the government has set a target of expanding it to 10 lakh hectares by 2025. This not only shows the confidence of farmers in this scheme but also the potential of oil palm cultivation to transform the agricultural sector in India.
In addition to the benefits for farmers, oil palm cultivation also has a positive impact on the environment. The crop has a high carbon sequestration rate, which means it can absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus helping in mitigating the effects of climate change. Moreover, as oil palm plantations require less land compared to other oilseed crops, it helps in preserving natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
In conclusion, the National Mission on Edible Oil (Oil Palm) scheme has been a game-changer for the agricultural sector in India. It has not only provided a profitable alternative for farmers but also reduced our dependence on imports and contributed to the country’s economic growth. With the continuous support and efforts of the government, companies like Godrej Agrovet, and the hard work of farmers, oil palm cultivation is set to become a major success story in India. So, let us all join hands and support this mission for a self-sufficient and prosperous India.
