Indian Government Policy towards Oil Palm Production

The first major policy initiative of the government of India was the Oil Palm Development Programme launched in 1991-92 under the Technology Mission on Oilseeds and Pulses (TMOP). The objective of this programme was to expand the area under oil palm cultivation.  From 2004-2005, the scheme is being implemented under Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm & Maize” (ISOPOM). Currently, this scheme provides support for oil palm cultivation in 12 states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Tripura & West Bengal.

In 2011-12, the government also rolled out a new scheme called Oil Palm Area Expansion (OPAE) Programme in order to bring an additional 60,000 hectares area under oil palm cultivation. Further, government has announced various subsidies for oil palm growers for planting, buying pump set and drip-irrigation systems, partial compensation in case of loss during the gestation period and support for processing units.

Current Government Stance on Oil Palm

The current NDA government is pushing to make India self sufficient in edible oils in this decade. The government is planning to spend $1.5 billion in the next three years to help farmers grow oil palm trees.