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United News of India
2 days ago
- Business
- United News of India
Mizoram's Kolasib district emerging as key exporter of oil palm
Aizawl, June 19 (UNI) Kolasib district is emerging as Mizoram's leading oil palm exporter, with local farmers earning over Rs 7 crore from the sale of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) last year alone. According to Godrej Agrovet Ltd, which manages the only oil palm processing mill in Northeast India located at Bukvannei, Kolasib, the company purchased 5,335 metric tonnes of FFBs in 2024. The figure is expected to rise to around Rs 9 crore in 2025, signaling a promising future for oil palm growers in the region. The development was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Robert C Lalhmangaiha at the DC's Conference Hall in Kolasib. The meeting brought together officials, industry partners and farmer representatives to assess the progress and challenges in oil palm cultivation. DC Lalhmangaiha said oil palm is now a 'priority crop' under the central government policy, receiving attention from top officials in Delhi. 'The visit of central authorities to Kolasib district reflects the importance given to oil palm cultivation and to the farmers themselves,' he said, stressing the crop's potential to transform rural livelihoods. Oil palm farming was introduced in Mizoram in 2005 under a state partnership with Godrej Agrovet Ltd, targeting Kolasib and Mamit districts. As of now, Mizoram has around 26,680 hectares under oil palm cultivation, of which 6,965 hectares are in Kolasib alone, involving more than 2,100 farmers across 29 villages. Notably, Mizoram accounts for 78% of Northeast India's oil palm acreage, positioning it as a vital player in the Centre's National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP). Under the scheme, the government released Rs 2.2 crore in viability gap payments for 2022–23 and Rs 76 lakh for 2023–24 to support Kolasib and Mamit farmers. At the Kolasib meeting, Lalruatkima, Senior Development Officer of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, announced plans to set up an oil palm refinery within the state this year. 'Once the refinery and packaging unit come up, Mizoram-grown oil palm will not only be exported—it will also be processed and consumed locally,' he said. He added that a 'one-stop solution' is being developed to address farmers' input and advisory needs more effectively. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Nearly half the plantations in Kolasib reportedly lack road access, which affects transportation and profit margins. Water scarcity and environmental concerns—such as soil degradation and loss of traditional farming systems—have also been cited by researchers and NGOs. The meeting acknowledged these issues and called for sustainable development practices. Officials present included representatives of the District Oil Palm Zonal Committee, the District Oil Palm Farmers' Association, District Agriculture Officer Joseph Lalnuntluanga, and executives from Godrej Agrovet Ltd. UNI ZS RN
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Business Standard
21-04-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Every Indian now consumes 24 kg edible oil a year, triple the 2001 level
India's per capita edible oil consumption has nearly tripled in the last two decades, escalating the country's dependence on imports and deepening public health concerns related to obesity and non-communicable diseases, according to a report by Mint. From just 8.2 kg in 2001, per capita annual consumption of edible oil has soared to 23.5 kg—nearly double the limit of 12 kg recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Niti Aayog member Ramesh Chand noted that the government is working to enhance domestic production under the National Mission on Edible Oils, with a dual focus on palm oil and traditional oilseeds, Mint reported. India remains heavily reliant on edible oil imports Despite some gains in domestic output, India remains heavily reliant on imports. Recent data from the Solvent Extractors' Association of India (SEA) shows the country consumes about 25–26 million tonnes of edible oil annually, while producing just 11 million tonnes locally—leaving a 60 per cent gap filled through imports. India sources palm oil from Indonesia and Malaysia, soybean oil from Argentina and Brazil, and sunflower oil from Russia and Ukraine. India's import of crude soybean oil more than doubled to over 1.9 million tonnes between November 2024 and March 2025, compared to the same period a year ago. The country's overall edible oil imports stood at an estimated 16 million tonnes in 2023–24, highlighting the widening demand–supply gap. Palm oil leads India's edible oil consumption According to industry figures, palm oil now accounts for over 37 per cent of India's edible oil consumption, followed by soybean (20 per cent), mustard (14 per cent), and sunflower (13 per cent). Demand is particularly high from the HoReCa segment (hotels, restaurants, and catering), driven by a surge in out-of-home food consumption, ready-to-eat products, and bakery items. High oil consumption flagged in big and small cities Home-cooked and commercially prepared oil-rich diets are driving up health issues in big cities as well as Tier-II and Tier-III cities. Excessive oil intake has been linked to obesity, cardiovascular diseases, fatty liver, and type-II diabetes. Centre launches mission to reduce edible oil imports To curb this trend and reduce import dependence, the Centre is ramping up efforts to boost self-sufficiency. In October 2024, it approved the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds (NMEO–OS), with a budget of ₹10,103 crore. The mission aims to raise oilseed production from 39 million tonnes in 2022–23 to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030–31. It complements the ongoing National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP), launched in 2021 with an outlay of ₹11,040 crore. PM calls on nation to reduce edible oil intake
