Plan to raise oil palm in 40,000 ha in state

VIJAYAWADA: The Horticulture Department has decided to bring 40,000 hectares of additional land under oil palm cultivation in the state by the end of the current financial year. At present, the state is importing palm oil from other countries to supply it to people through the public distribution system.Speaking to Express here on Thursday, assistant director of horticulture PM Subhani said the state would produce 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of palm oil if the oil palm plantations to be raised in 10 districts start yielding the fruit. At present, oil palm is being raised in 6,500 hectares in Krishna district. It is being cultivated in Unguturu, Bapulapadu, Nuzvid, Musunuru, Mylavaram and G Konduru mandals. It will be raised in 30 mandals to increase the crop acreage in Krishna district.The Horticulture Department will collaborate with two companies in raising oil palm plantations in Krishna district. All the plantations will be raised under the micro irrigation project. A maximum subsidy of ` 50,000 will be given to each ryot. Oil palm gives yield for 40 years, he said.