Recognizing the urgent need to boost domestic edible oil production and reduce dependency on imports, the Government of India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
The initiative aims to expand oil palm cultivation, increase crude palm oil (CPO) production, and decrease the financial burden of palm oil imports, which currently stand at 9 million tons annually—56% of India's total edible oil imports.
Nationwide Expansion Targets:
Under NMEO-OP, India's oil palm cultivation area is set to increase from 3.5 lakh hectares in 2019-20 to 10 lakh hectares by 2025-26, covering an additional 6.5 lakh hectares.
The Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) production target is 66 lakh tons, with an anticipated CPO production increase from 0.27 lakh tons in 2019-20 to 11.2 lakh tons by 2025-26 and 28 lakh tons by 2028-29.
Tripura’s Oil Palm Expansion Plans:
Tripura has been identified as a high-potential region for oil palm cultivation. Initially, 7,000 hectares were allocated in 2012 for palm cultivation. Later, in 2020, the ICAR-IIOPR Reassessment Committee expanded the potential area to 1,46,364 hectares using digital mapping. To meet NMEO-OP targets, the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation aims to cultivate at least 11,500 hectares of palm oil by 2026-27.
Private Sector Collaboration:
To implement this large-scale expansion, M/S. Godrej Agrovet Ltd. and Patanjali Foods Ltd. have been engaged as technical and co-implementing partners, ensuring: Supply of seedlings, Technical guidance to farmers, Establishment of oil palm factories, FFB procurement under NMEO-OP
While Godrej Agrovet Ltd. is focusing on Unakoti, North Tripura, and Dhalai districts, the Patanjali Foods Ltd. is overseeing Khowai, West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati, and South Tripura districts
Inter-Cropping and Financial Assistance:
To support farmers during the four-year gestation period, they are encouraged to cultivate vegetables, papaya, turmeric, cocoa, ginger, bush pepper, banana, and pineapple as inter-crops alongside oil palm.
Additionally, financial assistance is available to help farmers for inter- cropping.
Nursery & Processing Infrastructure:
Godrej Agrovet Ltd. has set up an oil palm nursery at Nalkata Government Orchard in Dhalai District, housing 4,59,141 seedlings sourced from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Patanjali Foods Ltd. has three nurseries at Jhumerdepa, Garjee, and Laxmicherra, maintaining 2,68,000 seedlings imported from Malaysia and Indonesia.
For local FFB processing, Godrej Agrovet Ltd. is establishing a processing unit (Oil Palm Mill) at Nalkata Government Orchard, covering 5 hectares, with a foundation stone laid on August 10, 2024, and inauguration targeted by 2026.
Patanjali Foods Ltd. has acquired 30 hectares of land at Gurupada Government Orchard near TTAADC headquarters, Khumulwng, for an oil mill and seed garden.
Research & Development for Sustainable Cultivation:
For the first time in India, Godrej Agrovet Ltd., in partnership with SD Guthrie Plantation, Malaysia, is setting up a Research and Development cum Breeding Centre at Nalkata Government Orchard. This initiative will focus on developing hybrid varieties suited to Tripura's climate, aiming to revolutionize sustainable palm oil production in India’s North Eastern region.
To facilitate this groundbreaking research, Godrej Agrovet Ltd. has leased 10 hectares of land for 30 years at Nalkata Government Fruit Orchard.
Mega Plantation Program & Employment Generation:
Tripura has launched the Mega Oil Palm Plantation Programme, 2024-25, covering all eight districts. The first event was successfully conducted on May 8, 2025, in Mohanbhog under Sepahijala District.
Oil palm cultivation is poised to be highly profitable, offering 100% buy-back assurance. With private-sector engagement, the initiative is expected to create new job opportunities, particularly benefiting rural farmers and young professionals.
The Officials of State Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department of Tripura while talking to Tripura Times mentioned, "The NMEO-OP initiative in Tripura is not only addressing India's edible oil deficit but also empowering farmers, generating employment, and fostering sustainable agricultural innovation. As the program advances, Tripura is set to become a vital contributor to India’s self-reliance in edible oil production while boosting economic growth and rural livelihoods".