Summary of the Article: India‘s Oil Palm Expansion Challenges and Proposed Solutions
This article discusses the challenges facing India’s aspiring plan to substantially expand oil palm cultivation and proposes a recalibration strategy for success. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
The Problem:
* Ambitious but Falling Short: India aimed to expand oil palm cultivation from 3.5 Lakh hectares in 2019-20 to 10 Lakh hectares by 2025-26 (an additional 6.5 Lakh hectares). Though, achievement is projected to be only 50% of this goal.
* Poor Performance Beyond Area: Beyond simply increasing planted area, survival rates and Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) yields are lagging.
* Misguided Implementation: Pressure on local horticulture officials to meet seedling distribution targets, even in areas lacking adequate water resources, is leading to unsustainable practices (“paper records” and pushing seedlings onto unsuitable land). This is creating dissatisfaction among companies and farmers.
* Lack of Holistic Approach: the current system, with the central government setting objectives, states creating plans, and private companies implementing, lacks sufficient coordination and shared responsibility.
Proposed Solutions: Multiple Alignment Strategy & Recalibration
The author advocates for a more collaborative and performance-based approach, focusing on effective area under cultivation, not just planted area. Key recommendations include:
* national Board of Directors: Establish a central body to monitor program standards.
* State Responsibilities: States should focus on:
* Group planning
* Land and water resource mapping (identifying “red zones” – areas unsuitable for oil palm due to water scarcity)
* Farmer dissemination and training
* Private Company Responsibilities: companies should focus on:
* Providing quality plant material
* Extension services and technical support
* Fair compensation to farmers
* FFB acquisition and processing
* “Placement to Performance” Recalibration: Shift focus from initial planting subsidies to supporting productive and sustainable hectares, starting from the second year onwards.
* Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Success should be measured by:
* Survival rate > 85%
* >75% of new area planted in certified groups
* Average FFB yield of 20 tons per hectare by the eighth year.
* Digital Monitoring: Implement digital monitoring of farm-level planting, survival, and FFB performance.
* Capacity Building: Provide complete training for state implementation cell officials at all levels.
Overall Goal:
The author emphasizes that a coordinated strategy involving the central government, states, and industry is crucial to ensure sustained yields, increased farmer income, reduced import dependence, environmental protection, and market access for Indian oil palm.
