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The Assam state government has officially sanctioned the cultivation of oil palm on up to 5 per cent of unused tea garden land, a strategic move designed to diversify agricultural output and bolster income opportunities for local farmers. Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika announced the policy during a stakeholder conference on oil palm cultivation held in Guwahati on October 26.
Addressing environmental and resource concerns, Hazarika emphasized the need to clear misconceptions surrounding the crop, stating that the water requirements for oil palm are comparable to those of paddy. He argued that ramping up domestic production is a critical step toward reducing India's heavy reliance on edible oil imports, effectively redirecting economic value back to the farming community.
As part of a five-year roadmap, the state has set a target to bring 15,000 hectares under oil palm cultivation and expand irrigation infrastructure to cover 30,000 hectares. Furthermore, the government is encouraging the cultivation of multiple crops on idle tea garden lands, with a specific focus on development within the Barak Valley. To support this horticultural expansion, the Agriculture Department will provide tea estates with saplings for high-value crops like litchi, dragon fruit, and areca nut, with plans to distribute five crore horticultural saplings annually starting next year.
To ensure the successful implementation of these practices, tea garden owners will participate in exposure visits to established oil palm hubs in Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh. Minister Hazarika noted that the initiative could potentially generate an income of up to Rs 50,000 per bigha for participating farmers.
In addition to the cultivation plans, the minister conducted a review of fertiliser distribution. He issued a stern warning to supplying agencies against overcharging, creating artificial shortages, or forcing farmers to purchase unrelated products alongside fertilisers. Hazarika underscored that timely access to subsidised fertilisers at government-regulated prices remains a top priority, and legal action will be taken against any entities found exploiting retailers or disrupting the supply chain.
Source: India Today NE