- Its objective is to enhance domestic edible oil production, particularly from oil palm, to reduce dependency on imports and meet national demand.
- Currently,India imports around 9 million tonnes (MT) of palm oil annually, worth approximately ₹40,000 crore, which constitutes about 56% of the total edible oil imports.
- The target is to increase the oil palm cultivation area from 3.5 lakh hectares (2019-20) to 10 lakh hectares by 2025-26, including 3.22 lakh hectares in general states and 3.28 lakh hectares in the North Eastern states.
- Aims to increase crude palm oil production from 0.27 lakh tonnes (2019-20) to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
- Maintain edible oil consumption at 19.00 kg/person/year until 2025-26.
- Implementation Strategy includes establishing seed gardens, nurseries, increasing drip irrigation coverage, and promoting inter-cropping during the non-productive gestation period of 4 years.
- Stakeholders involves State Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, ICAR Institutions, Central Agencies, KVKs, Oil Palm Processors, and Media Outlets.
| About Palm tree Palm trees belong to the Arecaceae family and are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Indonesia and Malaysia are the leading producers of palm oil, contributing over 85% of the global supply. Palm trees are cultivated mainly in regions with humid tropical climates, including parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. The expansion of palm oil plantations has led to concerns about deforestation and habitat loss, particularly in Southeast Asia. Palm oil is a key agricultural commodity, used extensively in food products, cosmetics, biofuels, and industrial applications. |
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