Patanjali Foods Pushes Oil Palm Expansion In Tripura, Eyes Rs 500 Crore Annual Economic Boost

Patanjali Foods Ltd. is betting big on Tripura’s potential as an oil palm cultivation hub, projecting an annual economic benefit of Rs 400-500 crore within the next four years. This ambitious initiative, which was discussed at a high-profile workshop in Agartala under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), signalling a significant push towards elf-reliance in producing edible oils and economic transformation of the rural belt in the Northeast.

The workshop, held at Hotel Polo Towers of Agartala, saw the participation of key government officials and industry experts. Chief Guest Apurba Roy, IAS, Secretary of Agriculture and Finance, Government of Tripura, asserting the state's commitment to oil palm expansion, stating, “Tripura holds immense potential in oil palm cultivation, and with the right interventions, we foresee a major economic shift benefiting farmers directly.”

Tripura's Director of Agriculture, Phani Bhushan Jamatia, stressed the government's 100 per cent buy-back agreement, which helps ensure price stability dictated by the central government. “The fixed buy-back mechanism under NMEO-OP guarantees market security for farmers, removing price volatility concerns,” he stated, highlighting the mission’s farmer-centric approach.

Patanjali Foods Ltd., having implemented successful oil palm cultivation models in Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, aims to replicate this success in Tripura. “Tripura’s agro-climatic conditions, combined with government support and Patanjali’s expertise, create a strong foundation for a thriving oil palm industry,” said Ashok Kumar Singh, Head of Northeast Operations, outlining the company’s long-term vision for sustainable agricultural growth.

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A critical discussion led by Subhas Bhattacharjee, Advisor to Patanjali Foods Ltd., addressed the key challenges such as logistical challenges, farmer onboarding, and processing infrastructure development. He asserted that Northeast India poses exclusive challenges, but concerted efforts by the Centre, State Governments, and private players are essential to overcome them.

Special Guest Dipak Kumar Das, Director of Horticulture, Tripura, placed the Oil Palm Mission on a broader pedestal than as a mere agriculture scheme. “This is an economic transformation tool capable of enhancing farmer incomes and re-stimulate rural economies,” he asserted, further announcing plans for similar district-level workshops and a mega event in Agartala ahead of the monsoon.