Godrej Agrovet Eyes Tripura for Palm Oil Boom

Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) is set to enhance its oil palm business with the establishment of a new processing mill in Tripura's Dhalai district. This development will include an advanced research and development centre dedicated to oil palm and a support facility, the Samadhan Centre, aimed at assisting local oil palm farmers.

The new mill will bolster the state's efforts to expand oil palm cultivation, aligning with the National Mission on Edible Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) initiated in August 2021. Tripura's government has committed to converting at least 7,000 hectares of land for palm cultivation, creating a supportive environment for local farmers and reducing the need for imported palm oil.

Currently, Godrej Agrovet operates a nursery with a capacity of 300,000 seedlings per year, which it plans to expand to 500,000 annually. The company's initiative will allow Tripura farmers to process and sell their produce locally, enhancing economic viability and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The new R&D centre will focus on developing seeds suited to the local climate through advanced genomics. This effort supports GAVL's goal of expanding oil palm plantations to 120,000 hectares by 2027 and contributes to India's move towards greater self-sufficiency in edible oil.

The Samadhan Centre, launched last year, offers comprehensive support to farmers, fostering sustainable practices and improving yields from existing plantations. This project represents a significant step in India's agricultural sector, aiming to strengthen domestic oil palm production and reduce import dependency.

News by Rahul Yelligetti