Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's self-reliance in edible oil production during his recent visit to Arunachal Pradesh. He inaugurated the first Oil Palm Processing Mill under Mission Palm Oil and expressed confidence that this mission would not only make India self-reliant but also enhance the income of farmers engaged in palm cultivation. It is an important step towards achieving Atmanirbharta in this crucial sector.
National Mission for Edible Oils - Oil Palm (NMEO-OP):
Launched by the Government of India in August 2021, NMEO-OP targets a substantial increase in oil palm cultivation and crude palm oil production. With a dedicated budget of INR 5,870 Crores allocated for the Northeastern Region (NER), this mission envisions elevating production to 11.20 lakh tonnes by 2025-26.
Support for Northeastern Region Farmers:
Recognizing the pivotal role of NER in achieving self-sufficiency, NMEO-OP extends comprehensive support to farmers. This includes financial assistance of Rs 1,00,000 per hectare for planting material and addressing topographical challenges, along with Rs 2,90,000 for the procurement of harvesting tools.
To mitigate challenges posed by the terrain, the government will pay a differential of 2% on the Crude Palm Oil (CPO) price to NER farmers. Additionally, special assistance of Rs 5 crore is earmarked for establishing post-harvest processing facilities, with plans to develop 10 new oil mills in the region.
The mission actively encourages private players to invest in the NER to establish processing facilities. Incentives such as viability gap funding and differential payment on CPO price aim to foster a conducive environment for private sector participation.
Government's Commitment to Self-Reliance:
This visionary initiative underscores the government's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, empowering farmers, and building a sustainable ecosystem for edible oil production. NMEO-OP stands as a testament to India's resolve to achieve self-sufficiency in this critical sector.
With dedicated efforts and comprehensive initiatives like NMEO-OP, India is poised to emerge as a leading player in the global edible oil market, empowering farmers and ensuring food security for the nation.
