Centre, State failing to support palm oil cultivation: Harish Rao

T Harish Rao noted that the palm oil crop would yield produce for up to 30 years and offer greater benefits compared to traditional crops.

Siddipet: Former Minister T Harish Rao on Thursday criticised both the Congress government in Telangana and the BJP-led Central government for not supporting palm oil cultivation in the State.

Addressing farmers after participating in the first harvest of the palm oil crop at former MPP Balamallu’s field in Gopalapur village of Narayanraopet mandal, Rao said the State government had failed to encourage palm oil cultivation since coming to power, while the Centre was favouring palm oil refineries by reducing import taxes instead of supporting farmers.

---

He said India was importing palm oil worth crores of rupees annually, indicating a massive demand for the crop. Farmers in Gopalapur alone were cultivating palm oil on 150 acres, the former Minister said.

Urging farmers to take up palm oil cultivation, Rao briefed them on the subsidies available. He noted that the crop would yield produce for up to 30 years and offer greater benefits compared to traditional crops.

The BRS leader also pointed out that palm oil cultivation was less prone to damage by attacks from monkeys, wild boars and insects, making it a more secure cultivation choice for farmers.

Rao further said the Rs 350 crore palm oil factory being set up at Narmetta would ease the marketing challenges for farmers, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Earlier, the former Minister attended a pastors’ meeting in Siddipet town. Speaking on the occasion, he said the BRS government had constructed a Christian Bhavan, Veda Bhavan and Hajj House in the town.