Oil palm cultivation also ensures monthly income for farmers, unlike traditional seasonal crops. The government is offering 100% subsidy on saplings and additional subsidies for drip irrigation systems

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a major push towards agricultural diversification and commercial crop promotion, the Nalgonda district administration has kickstarted a Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive under the aegis of the Department of Horticulture and Sericulture.

The programme was formally launched today at the 12.5-acre farm of Sankenapalli Venkat Reddy in Dandepalli village of Nalgonda mandal. The event was presided over by the Nalgonda District Collector, who planted the first sapling, marking the beginning of the plantation drive.

As part of this initiative, oil palm saplings will be planted at a density of 57 plants per acre. Speaking on the occasion, the Collector urged farmers to consider oil palm as a profitable and sustainable alternative to paddy. He highlighted that oil palm is a high-yield, income-generating commercial crop that offers consistent returns over a long duration.

“Once planted, oil palm starts yielding from the fourth year and continues to produce for up to 30 years. Farmers can expect an average yield of 10 to 12 tonnes per acre annually, translating to a net income of Rs 1.2 to Rs 1.5 lakh per acre every year,” the Collector said. He also pointed out that this crop is resilient against animals, theft, and most climate-related risks.

Oil palm cultivation also ensures monthly income for farmers, unlike traditional seasonal crops. The government is offering 100% subsidy on saplings and additional subsidies for drip irrigation systems. Further, to support the initial years, the government is providing ₹4,200 per acre per year for four years directly into the farmers’ bank accounts to assist with maintenance.

Officials encouraged farmers with suitable land and water resources to shift from traditional crops to oil palm and other horticultural crops, which promise better returns and sustainability. The event was attended by District Horticulture and Sericulture Officer Pinnapureddy Anantha Reddy, Patanjali Foods District General Manager Yadagiri, horticulture officers Shwetha, Rishitha, Naseema, representatives from oil palm companies including Prasad, Manohar, Bharat, drip irrigation firms, and several local farmers.