Jorhat, India: Priya Ram Duwarah, a 65-year-old farmer in Mohara village, has recently ventured into oil palm cultivation in Assam, India, by planting 60 seedlings on his land. Drawn by the promise of higher returns and government support, Duwarah aims to double his income from traditional crops like paddy and vegetables. With India being a major importer of edible oils, the government’s focus on oil palm cultivation has gained momentum, with a significant investment announced to make the country self-reliant.
Despite challenges faced by early adopters in Assam, including the lack of processing facilities leading to losses and low prices offered by middlemen, the state government, in collaboration with companies like Patanjali Foods Limited, is stepping in to revive the industry. By providing free seedlings, technical guidance, and encouraging intercropping, companies like Patanjali are working towards a sustainable model for oil palm cultivation.
While some farmers like Duwarah remain hopeful of the potential returns from oil palm cultivation, others, like those in Goalpara district, have faced setbacks and are reluctant to continue due to water scarcity and poor market conditions. Nevertheless, with new players entering the field and government support on the rise, there is optimism for the future of oil palm cultivation in Assam. As the industry grows and processing facilities are set up, farmers like Duwarah remain hopeful that their investment in oil palm will pay off in the long run, despite challenges faced by early adopters in the state.
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