Nagaland launches mega oil palm plantation drive under national edible oils mission

Nagaland's Agriculture Advisor Mhathung Yanthan launched the "Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive" under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO OP) at Baghty on September 17. The initiative aims to boost farmer incomes, reduce India's edible oil import dependency, and provide sustainable agricultural solutions through market-based enterprises.

Yanthan encouraged farmers cultivating cash crops like coffee and rubber to diversify into oil palm. He noted that once Godrej Agrovet establishes a processing mill in Nagaland, harvested fruits will be processed locally, ensuring stable returns and guaranteed markets. The State government will provide free quality planting materials, maintenance assistance during the 3-4 year growing period, and financial aid for intercrops.

The State is consulting with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio to earmark 30 acres of land for the project. Yanthan recalled his role in introducing rubber cultivation in Wokha district three decades ago, which has since become one of Nagaland's leading rubber producers.