HT Bureau
DIPHU, June 5: A mega ceremonial palm oil plantation drive was held on Thursday at Sikari Bey village under Lumbajong ADO Circle in Karbi Anglong, aligning with World Environment Day celebrations.
The initiative was carried out under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), aimed at increasing domestic production of edible oils and reducing dependency on imports.
Officials and agricultural experts from the District Agriculture Office, Assam Agricultural University’s Zonal Research Station (AAU-ZRS) in Diphu, and representatives from Patanjali were present at the event.
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They engaged with local farmers, highlighting the techniques, economic potential, and long-term sustainability of palm oil cultivation.
Dr Kansam Dayamoy Singha, Chief Scientist at AAU-ZRS Diphu, planted saplings along with other dignitaries and emphasized the need for caution while expanding palm cultivation. He urged that fertile lands suitable for rice cultivation should be spared to protect food security.
He also advocated for establishing a palm oil processing mill in Karbi Anglong to ensure that local farmers benefit directly from the initiative.
Local farmer Hemari Tisso, who contributed land for the plantation, expressed hope that oil palm farming could become a game-changer for the rural economy of the hills.
Discussions during the event also focused on palm oil’s expanding global demand, particularly in cooking, cosmetics, and biofuel industries.
Experts noted that oil palm is one of the most profitable and long-yielding crops, with the potential to provide steady income to farmers for up to 25 years.
Infrastructure development such as improved roads, irrigation, and processing facilities was also identified as a likely outcome of large-scale oil palm cultivation in the district.
The NMEO-OP scheme offers a comprehensive support framework for farmers, including financial assistance, technical training, and assured pricing.
However, experts cautioned that sustainable growth hinges on prudent land selection and responsible agricultural planning.
