14/01/2018 (The Hindu) - 400 farmers switch over to the crop at Kothapeta

The oil palm plantations are holding out many advantages for farmers because of the lack of major pest problems and non-requirement of intensive labour and bulk water even as the final crop yields are expected to bring high returns. However, the crop has not expanded its footprint in rural areas to the desired extent.

This is mainly attributed to non-inclusion of small and marginal farmers in considerable numbers. These farmers would not be able to meet the requirement of sustained supply of small quantities of water throughout the year using electricity. As big farmers, who are mostly absentee landlords, fail to give proper care to the crop, the oil palm cultivation eventually got lesser attention.

Tripartite agreements

In order to plug these gaps, the industry and the horticulture departments have initiated efforts to rope in small and marginal farmers by making oil palm cultivation accessible, affordable and profitable for them. As part of this, tripartite agreements were reached between 400 farmers, 3F Oil Palm Agrotech and the department. This has helped in growing oil palm trees in over 1,000 acres at Kothapeta and surrounding villages in Kaligiri mandal in Nellore district.

“Our aim is to encourage small farmers in a big way. We know these farmers pay a lot of attention and nurture their crop round the year,” said Ashiis Goenka, director, 3F Oil Palm Agrotech company.

They have got a palm oil extraction unit in Kaligiri mandal and also a refinery in Krishnapatnam area.

Mr. Goenka said that they had identified a potential for cultivating oil palm plantations in over 90,000 acres in Andhra Pradesh and they had plans to cultivate up to 40,000 acres in the next five years.

As this cultivation involves utilisation of power and sustained supply of water, small farmers require support and resources. This is where the industry and departmental linkages are playing a crucial part.