Nagaland flags off first consignment of oil palm

DIMAPUR — As part of a buy-back arrangement, Nagaland today flagged off a shipment of 6 metric tones of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) of oil palm to Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) based at Kolasib in Mizoram.

The consignment was flagged off by the director of Agriculture, M Ben Yanthan, held at Nagaland Agri Produce and Livestock Marketing Board (NSAPLMB), Agri-Expo Site.

Speaking at the flag-off programme, Yanthan stated that the buy-back of fresh fruit bunches was the result of extensive efforts made by both the concerned department and the state government.

Yanthan mentioned that the oil palm plantation initiative began in 2015-16 under the National Mission on Oilseed and Oil Palm (NMOOP) covering around 100 acres. He added that it gradually expanded to 4000 to 5000 acres.

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Yanthan informed that the Government of India has implemented a new centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) called National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with a special focus on the North East and the Andaman region on August 18 in order to increase the oil palm plantation.

Yanthan pointed out that to address market monopoly, they have decided to engage two companies out of which Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL) was given the responsibility for Zone-I covering Peren, Chümoukedima, Dimapur, Niuland, and Wokha districts, while Patanjali oversees Zone-II, which included Mokokchung, Mon and Longleng.

He added that on January 9, 2023, an MOU was signed with the state government to establish a nursery within 90 days. It was also agreed to implement the buy-back policy.

Yanthan mentioned that GAVL would be the second party, while the state Agriculture department would be the first party. It was agreed that they would constantly revisit the MoU signed between them to assess the progress and not remain idle and neglect the farmers.

Speaking at the event, senior officer of Godrej Agrovet Limited, Benjongtoshi, stated that their team, consisting of five members, had visited and inspected approximately 173 hectares of oil palm plantations so far. He informed that the current quality of the fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) does not meet the set standards.

He has observed inadequate farm maintenance, improper spacing between oil palm trees and a lack of pollinating agents for weevil pests.