Godrej Agrovet Ltd. announced that its Oil Palm Plantation business will be setting up an Oil Palm processing mill, Samadhan center and an advanced Research & Development (R&D) center in Tripura. The new facilities are set to enhance the state’s oil palm industry and provide vital support to local farmers.
The development of these facilities aligns with the National Mission on Edible Oil – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) introduced in August 2021. The Government of Tripura is committed to expanding oil palm cultivation and aims to bring at least 7,000 hectares of land under palm cultivation.
Key Components of the Initiative
- Oil Palm Processing Mill: The mill will play a crucial role in processing the oil palm produce from local farmers. This facility aims to streamline the supply chain by enabling farmers to sell their produce locally. This will reduce dependency on distant processing centers and supporting the local economy.
- Research & Development Center: An advanced R&D center will be set up to focus on oil palm genomics and sustainable cultivation practices. This center will work on developing seeds that are adapted to the local climate and optimizing agricultural practices to boost productivity and sustainability.
- Samadhan Center: A one-stop solution center known as the Samadhan center will be established to support oil palm farmers. This center will provide comprehensive assistance, including guidance on best practices, technology adoption, and yield maximization.
The ceremony for the new oil palm processing mill and R&D center took place in the Dhalai district of Tripura. The event was inaugurated by Ratan Lal Nath, the Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Tripura. Dr. Harikrishna Kulaveerasingam from SD Guthrie Plantations, Malaysia, who has extensive experience in oil palm research, also attended the ceremony and will provide guidance on developing high-yield, sustainable oil palm varieties suited to local conditions.
“The government of Tripura is excited to partner with Godrej Agrovet, who will definitely leverage their expertise to uplift the oil palm farmers in the state. Their decision to set up a Samadhan centre will not only aid the existing oil palm but also new oil palm farmers, thereby demonstrating their strong belief in the state’s potential.”
“As an organization which keeps sustainability before profitability, it is our endeavour to promote sustainable practices in oil palm cultivation. Over here, our team of scientists will be carrying out genomics to develop seeds suitable for local climatic conditions and the state’s climate. We are hopeful of taking out innovations from this centre to other parts of the country.”
Godrej Agrovet aims to expand its oil palm plantations to 120,000 hectares by 2027. The company’s initiatives in Tripura are expected to increase the area under oil palm cultivation in the state to 10,000 hectares this year.
The establishment of the oil palm processing mill, R&D center, and Samadhan center marks a significant step forward for Tripura’s agricultural sector. These initiatives are poised to provide crucial support to local oil palm farmers, drive economic growth, and contribute to India’s goals of reducing dependency on imported edible oils.
