Karimnagar: District Collector Pamela Satpathy officially started the Bangaru Rythu initiative on Saturday, encouraging local farmers to shift toward more profitable crops like oil palm.
The event, organized by Lohia Oil Palm Plantation Company, aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of oil palm farming. Many farmers from the region attended the program held in Karimnagar.
Collector Satpathy highlighted the long-term value of oil palm farming. “This crop offers better returns compared to other alternatives,” she said. “With just three years of effort, a farmer can earn steady income for the next 30 years.” She also pointed out that farmers can grow intercrops alongside oil palm to increase profits.
The government is supporting this shift by offering a subsidy of up to ₹51,000 per acre over a period of four years. However, only 320 farmers are currently growing oil palm across 1,200 acres in the district. The goal is to expand this to 3,000 acres by the end of the year.
Siddhant Lohia, CEO of Lohia Group, said the company is committed to transforming local farmers into “golden farmers” through a special outreach campaign. He also announced a gold scheme and a lucky draw for oil palm growers. The company plans to lay the foundation stone for a new processing factory on September 4.
The District Horticulture Officer added that oil palm cultivation can bring farmers a net income of ₹4 to ₹6 lakh, making it a highly rewarding choice.
The Bangaru Rythu initiative marks a strong push toward sustainable and profitable agriculture in Karimnagar, helping farmers secure a better future.
