Agartala: The Tripura government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to bring approximately 7,000 hectares of wasteland under oil palm cultivation by the financial year 2026-27 (FY’27), a senior official announced on Friday.
The initiative aligns with the National Mission on Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), aiming to boost domestic oil palm production and reduce dependency on imports.
According to the Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, P. B. Jamatia, Tripura’s favorable agro-climatic conditions provide an ideal environment for oil palm cultivation.
“Initially, the Centre had identified 7,000 hectares for oil palm cultivation in the state. However, a reassessment conducted by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research in 2020, using digital mapping, revealed that 1.46 lakh hectares of land in Tripura hold potential for oil palm farming,” Jamatia said.
The state government is focusing on utilising wastelands for this initiative, aiming to transform unused areas into productive farmland.
To achieve the target, rigorous efforts are underway, backed by substantial financial support from both the Centre and the state government.
Under the scheme, the government has allocated more than Rs. 5 crore to assist farmers and other beneficiaries.
As part of the support, farmers will receive up to Rs. 1 lakh per hectare as cultivation assistance, covering expenses related to planting and maintenance.
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The plan also integrates intercropping techniques, enabling farmers to grow vegetables, spices, and other crops alongside oil palms.
This approach aims to ensure sustainable and diversified income streams for local farmers while the oil palms mature, which typically takes 4-6 years.
The initiative is expected to bring a significant transformation to Tripura’s agricultural landscape.
By utilising wastelands and introducing high-value crops like oil palm, the government aims to uplift the rural economy, create job opportunities, and make the state a key player in India’s edible oil production.
Tripura’s strategic plan reflects the broader national objective of achieving self-reliance in edible oil production.
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With its favourable climate and robust implementation strategy, the state is poised to emerge as a significant contributor to the sector by FY 2027.
This ambitious project not only holds promise for economic growth but also serves as a model for sustainable agricultural development in the Northeast.
