At the Indian Vegetable Oil Producers Association conference in New Delhi, Godrej Agrovet’s (GAVL) Oil Palm Plantation business emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration between state governments and the industry to uplift oil palm farmers across the country. Sougata Niyogi, CEO of Godrej Agrovet’s Oil Palm Business, addressed the conference, stating, “There are many misconceptions about oil palm, from health impacts to environmental concerns. As an industry, we must collectively address these issues to move forward.”
Niyogi highlighted the progress made since the launch of the National Mission on Edible Oil – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2019-20 but stressed that achieving the goal of 3 million metric tonnes of crude palm oil by 2030 requires enhanced collaboration between state governments and the industry. He also pointed out that oil palm plantations, which yield up to eight times more oil than other crops and support intercropping, can significantly benefit smallholders economically.
The Indian Council of Medical Research’s recent guidelines support oil palm’s nutritional benefits, citing its balanced fats and role in lowering cholesterol. Niyogi urged for the adoption of Viability Gap Funding in policies to shield farmers from market price fluctuations and ensure a stable income.In the Guwahati market, there is growing interest in oil palm as a sustainable alternative for local farmers. The potential for increased economic returns through higher yields and reduced land use aligns with the region’s push for more sustainable agricultural practices. This shift is expected to boost local economies and support the broader goals of the NMEO-OP.
