Latest news with #NationalMissiononEdibleOils–OilPalm
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Stakeholders discuss commercial potential of oil palm cultivation in Tinsukia
1 2 3 Dibrugarh: The Tinsukia district administration on Tuesday convened a high-level meeting to assess the feasibility and commercial prospects of oil palm cultivation in the district. Chaired by DC Swapneel Paul at his office, the meeting saw participation from revenue circle officers, agriculture department officials, tea board representatives, small tea growers' associations, agricultural production committees, tea estate managers and satradhikars (monastic heads) of Vaishnavite satras. The collective dialogue reinforced the district's push to expand beyond traditional crops like tea and paddy by introducing oil palm as a viable commercial alternative. The discussion focused on reviewing the progress of oil palm cultivation in the district, examining both the opportunities and challenges associated with the alternative crop. "The commercial potential of oil palm cultivation in our district is significant and we are committed to exploring every avenue that can benefit our farmers. This initiative represents a strategic diversification opportunity for our agricultural community," Paul said. Oil palm, a high-yield crop, which is widely cultivated in southeast Asia and parts of South India, has gained attention in Assam due to its economic potential. The plant's crude palm oil (CPO) is used in food processing, cosmetics and biofuels, offering farmers a lucrative market. Centre's National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), which promotes domestic oilseed production to reduce imports, has further incentivised its adoption. The crop, which thrives in tropical conditions, offers promising returns for farmers, while contributing to national food security objectives. Following the meeting, officials indicated that detailed action plans will be developed to support interested farmers in transitioning to oil palm cultivation.
Economic Times
08-07-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
‘No palm oil' labels marketing gimmick: IFBA
The Indian Food and Beverage Association (IFBA), which counts McDonald's, Wingreens and Ferrero as members, has flagged 'no palm oil' labels in packaged foods as 'misleading marketing gimmicks', amid increasing number of brands using the tag claiming to be a differentiator. ADVERTISEMENT 'Labels like 'palm oil free' overshadow credible dietary guidance and have become a marketing tool. Food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence,' IFBA said, Tuesday. The organisation further 'cautioned consumers against taking health advice from influencers who amplify half-truths without nutritional expertise.' Dozens of biscuits, snacks and bakery products on retail shelves as well as selling direct-to-consumer have been promoting 'no palm oil' on their labels. Some of these are higher priced than packs of similar quantities. The note by IFBA further said palm oil 'continues to be misunderstood due to selective branding tactics that exploit health-related fears', adding that it remains a widely-used affordable and accessible edible oil.'In today's digital era, food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence. With India consuming 26 million tonnes of edible oil annually, including 9 million tonnes of palm oil, this trend has fuelled misconceptions,' IFBA added in the note, stating that palm oil 'has a well-rounded fatty acid profile with zero trans fats.'Shilpa Agrawal, director, scientific and regulatory affairs, IFBA, said: 'The Dietary Guidelines for Indians – 2024 of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition clearly acknowledge the role of tocotrienols in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. It recommends a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, for a balanced fatty acid profile. This is science, not speculation.' ADVERTISEMENT Contrary to popular belief, countries worldwide are now promoting sustainable palm oil production, with the Government of India taking several steps to enhance domestic edible oil output, including the launch of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation, IFBA said. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
‘No palm oil' labels marketing gimmick: IFBA
The Indian Food and Beverage Association ( IFBA ), which counts McDonald's, Wingreens and Ferrero as members, has flagged 'no palm oil' labels in packaged foods as 'misleading marketing gimmicks', amid increasing number of brands using the tag claiming to be a differentiator. 'Labels like 'palm oil free' overshadow credible dietary guidance and have become a marketing tool. Food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence,' IFBA said, Tuesday. The organisation further 'cautioned consumers against taking health advice from influencers who amplify half-truths without nutritional expertise.' Dozens of biscuits, snacks and bakery products on retail shelves as well as selling direct-to-consumer have been promoting 'no palm oil' on their labels. Some of these are higher priced than packs of similar quantities. The note by IFBA further said palm oil 'continues to be misunderstood due to selective branding tactics that exploit health-related fears', adding that it remains a widely-used affordable and accessible edible oil . 'In today's digital era, food choices are often driven by social media trends rather than scientific evidence. With India consuming 26 million tonnes of edible oil annually, including 9 million tonnes of palm oil, this trend has fuelled misconceptions,' IFBA added in the note, stating that palm oil 'has a well-rounded fatty acid profile with zero trans fats.' Shilpa Agrawal, director, scientific and regulatory affairs, IFBA, said: 'The Dietary Guidelines for Indians – 2024 of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition clearly acknowledge the role of tocotrienols in palm oil in lowering cholesterol and supporting heart health. It recommends a rotation of edible oils, including palm oil, for a balanced fatty acid profile. This is science, not speculation.' Contrary to popular belief, countries worldwide are now promoting sustainable palm oil production, with the Government of India taking several steps to enhance domestic edible oil output, including the launch of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in 2021 with an outlay of Rs 11,040 crore to boost oil palm cultivation, IFBA said.
United News of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Mizoram's Kolasib district emerging as key exporter of oil palm
Aizawl, June 19 (UNI) Kolasib district is emerging as Mizoram's leading oil palm exporter, with local farmers earning over Rs 7 crore from the sale of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) last year alone. According to Godrej Agrovet Ltd, which manages the only oil palm processing mill in Northeast India located at Bukvannei, Kolasib, the company purchased 5,335 metric tonnes of FFBs in 2024. The figure is expected to rise to around Rs 9 crore in 2025, signaling a promising future for oil palm growers in the region. The development was highlighted during a review meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Robert C Lalhmangaiha at the DC's Conference Hall in Kolasib. The meeting brought together officials, industry partners and farmer representatives to assess the progress and challenges in oil palm cultivation. DC Lalhmangaiha said oil palm is now a 'priority crop' under the central government policy, receiving attention from top officials in Delhi. 'The visit of central authorities to Kolasib district reflects the importance given to oil palm cultivation and to the farmers themselves,' he said, stressing the crop's potential to transform rural livelihoods. Oil palm farming was introduced in Mizoram in 2005 under a state partnership with Godrej Agrovet Ltd, targeting Kolasib and Mamit districts. As of now, Mizoram has around 26,680 hectares under oil palm cultivation, of which 6,965 hectares are in Kolasib alone, involving more than 2,100 farmers across 29 villages. Notably, Mizoram accounts for 78% of Northeast India's oil palm acreage, positioning it as a vital player in the Centre's National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO–OP). Under the scheme, the government released Rs 2.2 crore in viability gap payments for 2022–23 and Rs 76 lakh for 2023–24 to support Kolasib and Mamit farmers. At the Kolasib meeting, Lalruatkima, Senior Development Officer of Godrej Agrovet Ltd, announced plans to set up an oil palm refinery within the state this year. 'Once the refinery and packaging unit come up, Mizoram-grown oil palm will not only be exported—it will also be processed and consumed locally,' he said. He added that a 'one-stop solution' is being developed to address farmers' input and advisory needs more effectively. Despite the progress, challenges remain. Nearly half the plantations in Kolasib reportedly lack road access, which affects transportation and profit margins. Water scarcity and environmental concerns—such as soil degradation and loss of traditional farming systems—have also been cited by researchers and NGOs. The meeting acknowledged these issues and called for sustainable development practices. Officials present included representatives of the District Oil Palm Zonal Committee, the District Oil Palm Farmers' Association, District Agriculture Officer Joseph Lalnuntluanga, and executives from Godrej Agrovet Ltd. UNI ZS RN
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Naidu urges Amit Shah to rollback move on crude palm oil
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu in a letter urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to reconsider Centre's decision to reduce import duty on crude palm oil. A delegation led by Telugu Desam Party Lok Sabha floor leader Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu along with other TDP MPs and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu called on Union Home Minister in New Delhi on Tuesday (June 17). The delegation submitted Mr. Naidu's letter urging the Centre to reconsider it decision to reduce import duty on Crude Palm Oil (CPO) by 10%, as per Gazette notification released on May 30. In his letter, Mr. Naidu highlighted that the timing of the duty reduction — announced during the peak plantation season — could seriously disrupt the success of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) and hurt farmer income. 'The reduction in import duty will lead to an immediate drop in the price realisation for existing Oil Palm growers, thereby eroding their confidence and potentially dissuading prospective farmers from adopting this high-potential crop,' the CM said. 'This decision, while perhaps intended to address short-term concerns, stands to seriously undermine the long-term vision and efforts being made by both the Government of India and the States, including Andhra Pradesh, to promote oil palm cultivation under the NMEO-OP,' he said. Andhra Pradesh accounts for over 50% of the total oil palm cultivation area in India, with 1.74 lakh farmers cultivating across 2.49 lakh hectares. The State has already achieved 67,727 hectares of oil palm coverage from 2021–2025, and targets an additional 50,000 hectares this year under the NMEO-OP, the letter mentioned. The Chief Minister further said, 'Andhra Pradesh has taken proactive steps to promote Oil Palm expansion, including provision of incentives as per NMEO-OP, infrastructure development and farmers' outreach through awareness programmes and deep technologies with AI tools. However, such policy decisions at the national level risk undoing the momentum that has collectively built.' Meanwhile, Mr. Devarayulu reinforced the need for policy revision and support to farmers. 'Given the vital role these groups play in implementing NMEO-OP, I urge the Ministry of Cooperation to take cognizance of the issue and work with stakeholders to ensure price support and stability,' he urged Mr. Shah.
