Agartala: Patanjali Foods Limited has announced plans to set up a palm processing unit in Tripura as part of its broader initiative to increase oil palm cultivation in the state. The move follows a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tripura’s State Horticulture Directorate and Patanjali Foods, marking a significant step towards enhancing palm oil production under the National Mission on Edible Oil and Oil Palm.
According to a press release from Patanjali Foods, the company has already achieved 760 hectares of palm plantation in the state and is targeting a total of 1,124 hectares for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 cultivation periods.
“Patanjali Foods will establish a palm processing unit in Tripura, with land acquisition currently underway,” the statement said. The company is making efforts to organize an event to showcase the oil palm cultivation project, with the potential attendance of Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.
Ashok Kumar Singh, North East Head of Patanjali Foods, met with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha to discuss the future prospects of oil palm plantations and their socio-economic impact on local farmers. Singh also outlined plans to establish a model oil palm nursery, a model garden, and promote commercial neem cultivation. Additionally, ginger and turmeric intercropping with oil palm has already begun, and Patanjali expressed interest in marketing bamboo and other horticultural crops in the region.
The initiative is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers and boost Tripura’s agricultural productivity.