Stakeholders discuss commercial potential of oil palm cultivation in Tinsukia
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Dibrugarh: The Tinsukia district administration on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting to assess the feasibility and commercial prospects of oil palm cultivation in the district.
Chaired by DC Swapneel Paul at his office, the meeting saw participation from revenue circle officers, agriculture department officials, tea board representatives, small tea growers' associations, agricultural production committees, tea estate managers and satradhikars (monastic heads) of Vaishnavite satras. The collective dialogue reinforced the district's push to expand beyond traditional crops like tea and paddy by introducing oil palm as a viable commercial alternative.
The discussion focused on reviewing the progress of oil palm cultivation in the district, examining both the opportunities and challenges associated with the alternative crop. "The commercial potential of oil palm cultivation in our district is significant and we are committed to exploring every avenue that can benefit our farmers. This initiative represents a strategic diversification opportunity for our agricultural community," Paul said.
Oil palm, a high-yield crop, which is widely cultivated in southeast Asia and parts of South India, has gained attention in Assam due to its economic potential. The plant's crude palm oil (CPO) is used in food processing, cosmetics and biofuels, offering farmers a lucrative market. Centre's National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), which promotes domestic oilseed production to reduce imports, has further incentivised its adoption.
The crop, which thrives in tropical conditions, offers promising returns for farmers, while contributing to national food security objectives.
Following the meeting, officials indicated that detailed action plans will be developed to support interested farmers in transitioning to oil palm cultivation.
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