Tripura targets 6,000 hectares of oil palm this year, two mills planned

Tripura has set a target of bringing 6,000 hectares under oil palm cultivation in the current financial year, 2026-27, an official said on Monday, October 19, according to PTI.

Where it stands

"Of the target of 6,000 hectares, 4,700 hectares have already been brought under oil palm cultivation, while the remaining 1,300 hectares will be covered by March," said P.B. Jamatia, Director of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Horticulture departments.

The state now has more than 10,000 oil palm growers, he said, and plans to bring 10,000 hectares under the crop in 2027-28.

Why oil palm

"We are sensitising people to take up oil palm cultivation because it is more economically viable for people living in the hilly areas of the state," Jamatia said. He added that Tripura's agro-climatic conditions suit the crop.

Unlike rubber plantations, he said, farmers can grow other crops alongside oil palm and earn extra income.

An oil palm plant takes four years to mature and can stay productive for 30 years, he said, and the Centre has announced an assured price for oil palm seeds, so growers will get a reasonable return.

Support for farmers

• Saplings are given free of cost through nurseries run by private parties.
• The Centre provides financial assistance to growers for four years.

"Apart from the free distribution of oil palm saplings, the Centre is also providing financial assistance to growers for four years to encourage farmers to take up the new cultivation," Jamatia said.

Processing factories

The state has started setting up oil palm processing factories at Nalkata in North Tripura district and Belbari in West Tripura district.

"We expect the two oil palm processing factories to be ready for operation by the end of December 2027. Oil palm growers will benefit once processing facilities become available in the state," Jamatia said.

Key numbers

• 2026-27 target: 6,000 hectares
• Already planted: 4,700 hectares
• Remaining by March: 1,300 hectares
• 2027-28 plan: 10,000 hectares
• Growers: more than 10,000
• Mills expected: by end of December 2027