Lang
A Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive under India's National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) for 2026-27 was launched on September 1, 2026 at the Chümoukedima Village Council Hall in Nagaland, marking the latest push to scale up domestic palm oil production and reduce the country's heavy import dependence.
Gracing the programme as special guest, Shreyansee Jain, SDO (Civil), said the initiative would help improve farmers' livelihoods while promoting economic and environmental sustainability in Chümoukedima district. She congratulated the Department of Agriculture for undertaking the drive and urged growers to take advantage of the scheme's benefits. Describing oil palm as more than an agricultural crop, Jain characterised it as a commercial and sustainable commodity capable of generating economic returns for 30 to 35 years.
Jain noted that while farmers in Niuland, Dimapur and Dhansiripar had shown proactive participation, Chümoukedima had recorded comparatively less interest. She expressed confidence that the awareness programme would encourage greater uptake in the block. Highlighting India's dependence on palm oil imports—around 60 percent sourced from Southeast Asia—she said promoting domestic oil palm cultivation would strengthen self-reliance and expand national production capacity. She also pointed to the high quality and oil content of Nagaland's oilseeds and noted that a proposed processing unit at Ganeshnagar would provide vital market linkages and logistical support.
Delivering the keynote address, Moainla Pongen, District Agriculture Officer (DAO) of Chümoukedima, said oil palm cultivation could enhance rural livelihoods, generate employment and reduce India's reliance on imported edible oils. She disclosed that India imports approximately 140 lakh tonnes of edible oil annually, making it one of the world's largest importers and consumers. Pongen explained that the NMEO-OP, launched by the Prime Minister in August 2021, aims to cut import dependence and promote domestic production, with a special focus on the Northeast owing to its favourable ecological conditions.
Pongen highlighted that assured off-take markets exist for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), with companies such as Godrej Agrovet actively procuring produce, and added that government-fixed pricing mechanisms protect farmers against market volatility. She noted that oil palm is a long-term crop capable of providing returns for 25 to 30 years, and urged farmers not to treat the free planting material casually. Growers were also advised to inter-crop during the initial three years before harvesting begins.
Providing a regional outlook, Pongen noted that Nagaland currently has two nurseries—at Niuland and Tizit—while another is being established by Godrej Agrovet, and that technical approval has been received for a processing mill at Niuland. She stressed that simply planting oil palm is not enough, urging farmers to nurture the trees properly to realise the crop's full potential.
In a quantitative illustration, Pongen estimated that a single oil palm tree could generate a minimum income of around Rs. 5,000 per year, while one hectare—approximately 7.5 bighas—can accommodate 143 trees. She cautioned farmers against planting beyond their capacity, emphasising that smaller, well-managed areas can deliver better returns than over-extended plantations.
Dr. Benjongtoshi Imchen, Senior Officer at GAVL Nagaland, addressed the gathering on the scope, opportunities and challenges of oil palm cultivation, sharing success stories from the field. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Meciesunu Sakhrie, AO.
Source: Nagaland Post