By Shri Om Dehariya, Raipur, August 9, 2025: Palm cultivation is fast becoming a dependable and long-term source of income for farmers in Chhattisgarh, with government-backed initiatives offering substantial support and incentives. By combining technical guidance from the Horticulture Department with financial assistance from both the Central and State Governments, the scheme aims to increase farm incomes while reducing India’s dependence on imported edible oils.
Under the National Oilseeds and Oil Palm Mission, palm plantations have already been established across 2,682 hectares in the state. Farmers receive a grant of ₹1 lakh each from the Centre and the State, along with free training in cultivation practices. The crop requires planting only once and starts yielding from the third year, continuing production for 25–30 years. Annual income from one hectare is estimated between ₹2.5 and ₹3 lakh, making it an attractive option for long-term agricultural sustainability.
A Growing National Movement
Nationwide, palm is cultivated over 3.5 lakh hectares, with the Union Agriculture Ministry reporting a 15% rise in domestic palm oil production in 2024–25. The government aims to raise production to 28 lakh tonnes by 2029–30, targeting states like Telangana, Assam, Mizoram, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Special emphasis is being placed on tribal-dominated regions such as Bastar and Dantewada, where palm cultivation is seen as a means of generating employment and improving rural incomes.
Expansion Across Chhattisgarh
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, palm cultivation has expanded to 17 districts, including Bastar, Kondagaon, Kanker, Sukma, Narayanpur, Bijapur, Dantewada, Mahasamund, Raigarh, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Durg, Bemetara, Jashpur, Surguja, Korba, and Bilaspur. Over the past four years, 1,600 hectares have been planted with oil palm by 1,150 farmers, while this year alone saw 1,089 hectares planted by 802 farmers.
Success Stories and Farmer Experiences
Raigarh farmer Rajendra Mehar transformed 10 acres of idle land into a thriving palm plantation with 570 plants, thanks to guidance and support from the Horticulture Department. “I was considering horticulture for years, but lacked technical know-how,” Mehar said. “The department not only provided knowledge but also showed me the long-term benefits of palm cultivation.” In Mahasamund district alone, palm plantations now span 611 hectares.
Strong Support and Assured Returns
Under the Oil Palm Scheme, 143 plants valued at ₹29,000 per hectare are provided free of cost. The total cost of establishing the plantation—including fencing, irrigation, maintenance, and intercropping—is about ₹4 lakh per hectare, covered through government grants and bank loans. Subsidies are available for orchard maintenance, drip irrigation, borewells, pumps, vermicompost units, harvesting tools, and more.
Once in production, a hectare can yield 15–20 tonnes of fruit annually, ensuring steady income. Farmers can also grow vegetables or other intercrops between palm rows, with additional subsidies provided for these activities. For farmers planting more than two hectares, a further ₹50,000 subsidy is available for borewell installation.
Market Linkages and Payment Security
The Government of India has partnered with contracted companies to purchase palm produce directly from farmers at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). Payments are credited directly to farmers’ bank accounts, eliminating market uncertainty and ensuring timely income.
With long-term yields, stable market arrangements, and substantial financial support, palm cultivation in Chhattisgarh is not only transforming farm economics but also strengthening India’s journey toward self-reliance in edible oil production.
