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United News of India

Mizoram's Kolasib district emerging as key exporter of oil palm

Aizawl, June 19 (UNI) Kolasib district is emerging as Mizoram's leading oil palm exporter, with local farmers earning over Rs 7 crore from the sale of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) last year alone. According to Godrej Agrovet Ltd, which manages the only oil palm processing mill in Northeast India located at Bukvannei, Kolasib, the company purchased 5,335 metric tonnes of FFBs in 2024. The figure is expected to rise to around Rs 9 crore in 2025, signaling a promising future for oil palm growers in the region. The development was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Robert C Lalhmangaiha at the DC's Conference Hall in Kolasib. The meeting brought together officials, industry partners and farmer representatives to assess the progress and challenges in oil palm cultivation. DC Lalhmangaiha said oil palm is now a 'priority crop' under the central government policy, receiving attention from top officials in Delhi. 'The visit of central authorities to Kolasib district reflects the importance given to oil palm cultivation and to the farmers themselves,' he said, stressing the crop's potential to transform rural livelihoods. Oil palm farming was introduced in Mizoram in 2005 under a state partnership with Godrej Agrovet Ltd, targeting Kolasib and Mamit districts. As of now, Mizoram has around 26,680 hectares under oil palm cultivation, of which 6,965 hectares are in Kolasib alone, involving more than 2,100 farmers across 29 villages. Notably, Mizoram accounts for 78% of Northeast India's oil palm acreage, positioning it as a vital player in the Centre's National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP). Under the scheme, the government released Rs 2.2 crore in viability gap payments for 2022–23 and Rs 76 lakh for 2023–24 to support Kolasib and Mamit farmers. At the Kolasib meeting, Lalruatkima, Senior Development Officer of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, announced plans to set up an oil palm refinery within the state this year. 'Once the refinery and packaging unit come up, Mizoram-grown oil palm will not only be exported—it will also be processed and consumed locally,' he said. He added that a 'one-stop solution' is being developed to address farmers' input and advisory needs more effectively. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Nearly half the plantations in Kolasib reportedly lack road access, which affects transportation and profit margins. Water scarcity and environmental concerns—such as soil degradation and loss of traditional farming systems—have also been cited by researchers and NGOs. The meeting acknowledged these issues and called for sustainable development practices. Officials present included representatives of the District Oil Palm Zonal Committee, the District Oil Palm Farmers' Association, District Agriculture Officer Joseph Lalnuntluanga, and executives from Godrej Agrovet Ltd. UNI ZS RN