The Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland, launched the “Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive” under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) 2025-26 at Doyapur Council Hall, Chumoukedima, on March 20.
Addressing the gathering, SDO (Civil) Dhansiripar, Vejoyo Swuro, NCS, highlighted that the initiative would generate employment opportunities and urged citizens to avail themselves of such schemes. He noted that Dhansiripar subdivision has fertile land and encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices for long-term benefits.
He acknowledged the significant contribution of farmers to the country’s GDP and assured that the district administration would extend all possible support to the farming community. He emphasised the importance of maintaining adequate food stock to meet any crisis and motivated farmers to actively engage in agriculture as a means of livelihood and economic advancement. Swuro also stressed the need for dedication and hard work to ensure the success of the programme.
Delivering the keynote address, DAO Chumoukedima, Moainla Pongen, said the programme marks the beginning of economic transformation in the region, with a focus on reducing India’s dependence on imported palm oil. She pointed out that the country currently imports nearly 60 percent of its requirement, leading to significant annual expenditure, and said NMEO-OP aims to address this gap by creating a self-sustaining production ecosystem.
She informed that the initiative in Nagaland will cover eight districts, focusing on foothill areas suitable for oil palm cultivation. Addressing concerns, she said oil palm is a viable and efficient crop due to its better root system and comparatively lower water usage than crops like sugarcane. She added that cultivation would be carried out sustainably, utilising wastelands and promoting intercropping practices.
Pongen said the Department has signed MoUs with Godrej Agrovet Ltd. and Patanjali Foods to ensure assured market linkages. She added that Godrej Agrovet plans to establish custom hiring centres at Doyapur, a one-stop solution centre, and a nursery at Dhansiripar to support farmers.
She further assured that the Government is committed to the initiative by providing free saplings, ensuring remunerative prices, facilitating coordination, and extending financial and field-level support. She called for active collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the success of the mission.
NMEO-OP, launched in 2021, is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at achieving self-reliance in edible oils by increasing domestic crude palm oil production and expanding cultivation areas.
Short speeches were delivered by Senior Officer, GAVL, Dr. Benjongtoshi Imchen, and Manager (Market Development, GAVL) Muthuselvan. The programme was chaired by SDAO Kevin Solo, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Agriculture Officer Meciesunu Sakhrie. The event witnessed participation from local farmers and village council members. (Source: DIPR)