India’s NMEO-OP initiated a Mega Oil Plantation Drive from July 25 to August 5, 2023. A roundtable in Guwahati discussed the importance of oil palm cultivation for Northeast farmers and its potential to uplift them. The initiative aimed to boost the region’s economy and provide employment opportunities.
India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in August 2021, aiming to increase edible oil production from oil palm. The scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, with costs shared 60:40 between the Central and State Governments for general states, 90:10 for North Eastern states, and 100% for Uttar Pradesh and central agencies. Land ownership remains with farmers, not corporations.
Godrej Agrovet Ltd, a leading food and agri-business conglomerate, has been involved in an oil palm plantation in the region since 2006 and has signed MoUs with Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura State governments for the development and promotion of oil palm cultivation under the NMEO-OP scheme. Dr. B. V. Mehta, Executive Director, The Solvent Extractors’ Association of India highlighted the critical role of palm oil as an affordable cooking oil and said, “The focus should be on enhancing the production of edible oilseeds and making oils more readily available within the country. This can be achieved by fully harnessing the potential of Oil Palm areas, ensuring speedy expansion into new areas, and increasing the production of Crude Palm Oil”.
