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Government boosts palm oil farming in Surajpur with ₹1.14 lakh aid and guaranteed crop purchase for farmers.
₹1.14 lakh subsidy for farmers cultivating oil palm.
The government guarantees the sale of produce via an MoU with a private firm.
Target to plant on 300 hectares by 2025-26 in Surajpur.
₹1.7 lakh potential yearly income per acre from palm oil farming.
Long-term income with less effort and risk compared to other crops.
The Government of India has launched a major initiative to promote palm oil farming in Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). This scheme aims to reduce dependency on imported edible oils and increase the income of farmers by encouraging domestic production. Under this mission, farmers will receive financial support of up to ₹1.14 lakh along with guaranteed crop sale and technical guidance.
Due to the rising demand for edible oil in India, the central and state governments are jointly promoting oil palm farming through subsidies and other benefits. Farmers in Surajpur will receive:
₹29,000 for planting material
₹54,485 for fencing
₹31,400 for drip irrigation
In total, farmers will get ₹1,14,885 as a subsidy for starting palm oil cultivation. Additionally, assistance for borewell construction and pump replacement will also be provided to help farmers manage water supply effectively.
One of the major concerns for farmers has been the marketing of their produce. This issue has been addressed under the Oil Palm Mission. The Chhattisgarh state government has signed an MoU with Pre. Unique Asia Private Limited, ensuring that the company will buy palm oil fruits directly from farmers fields. This eliminates the risk of price fluctuations and market uncertainties, giving farmers assured income and peace of mind.
The campaign officially began in Sirsi village of Bhaiyathan block, where 143 oil palm plants were planted on one hectare of land owned by farmer Ashish Gupta. The target is to cultivate oil palm on 300 hectares in Surajpur by 2025-26. According to Collector S. Jaivardhan, palm oil farming offers four times more income than traditional crops, with minimal effort and low risk of plant diseases. He said that this initiative could become a stable and long-term income source for farmers and help India become self-reliant in edible oil production.
Palm oil farming offers several advantages:
Planting Method: 143 plants per hectare using a triangular 9×9 meter pattern.
Fruit Bearing: Plants start yielding fruit in 4 years, with continuous production for 25–30 years.
Production: 10–12 tonnes per acre annually.
Income: At a fixed purchase rate of ₹17 per kg, farmers can earn ₹1.7 lakh per acre per year.
Even after deducting costs, palm oil farming ensures a profitable and sustainable income for farmers for decades. With low maintenance, government support, and assured buyers, palm oil cultivation is emerging as a highly beneficial alternative to traditional crops in Surajpur and across India.
Also Read: After Rainfall, Katara Insect Attacks Crops in Rajasthan: Agriculture Department Issues Advisory
The Oil Palm Mission in Surajpur offers farmers a profitable and sustainable farming option with government subsidies and assured crop sales. This initiative not only increases farmer income but also supports India’s goal of self-reliance in edible oil production. It marks a significant step toward long-term agricultural and economic growth.