Gadwal: A program about oil palm farming took place at the TG Oilfed Nursery in Beechupalli. The event was organized by the Horticulture Department and TG Oilfed for officials from the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development departments, such as Assistant Project Officers, Engineering Consultants, and Panchayat Secretaries.
The program aimed to ensure different departments work together to meet the district’s oil palm farming goals. District Horticulture Officer M.A. Akbar and TG Oilfed District In-charge Nagireddy attended as main guests.
The district plans to grow oil palms on 3,500 acres in the 2025–26 financial year, as announced by District Horticulture Officer M.A. Akbar and Divisional Horticulture Officer Rajashekar. Departments are collaborating to reach this target.
Oil palm farming offers many benefits for farmers:
- Steady Income: Oil palm trees give a reliable income for up to 30 years.
- Low Risk: The crop withstands pests, unseasonal rain, and hailstorms.
- Extra Earnings: Farmers can plant other crops alongside to earn more.
- Price Stability: The 1993 Oil Palm Act ensures companies buy oil palm fruit at a set monthly price, protecting farmers from market changes.
- Affordable Saplings: High-quality saplings are available from the government at ₹20 each.
Farmers also receive subsidies for drip irrigation:
- 100% for SC/ST farmers
- 90% for small and marginal farmers
- 80% for large farmers
Annual financial support includes:
- ₹2,100 per acre for crop management
- ₹2,100 for intercropping
- Totaling ₹4,200 per acre yearly
Over four years, farmers get ₹16,800 credited to their accounts. Companies regularly buy the produce, preventing marketing problems.
Officials urged field-level workers to inform farmers about oil palm farming and encourage its widespread adoption. This crop offers high income, low risk, and solid government backing. Officials believe adopting oil palm cultivation could greatly benefit farmers and the local agriculture economy.
This initiative is a major move towards sustainable agriculture and economic progress for local farmers.
