Harish Rao credits BRS for bringing oil palm factory to Siddipet, slams Congress for stealing credit

Former Minister T Harish Rao said the Siddipet oil palm factory and cultivation were possible only due to the BRS government’s efforts and the Kaleshwaram project. He criticised the Congress for claiming credit and urged farmers to take up oil palm cultivation

Siddipet: Former Minister T Harish Rao on Monday asserted that oil palm cultivation and the establishment of the oil palm factory in Siddipet were possible only due to the concerted efforts of the previous BRS government led by K Chandrashekhar Rao.

Addressing local farmers after inspecting the factory at Narmetta in Nanganur mandal, which is ready for inauguration, Harish Rao recalled that the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) had refused permission for cultivation in 2018 citing inadequate relative humidity in the area. However, the institute accorded approval in 2021 after the completion of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), which increased the water spread in the district.

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He said multiple nurseries were set up to supply saplings, with regular follow-ups and meetings to encourage cultivation. Several BRS MLAs and public representatives also raised oil palm crops to set an example for farmers, he added.

Taking aim at the Congress government, Harish Rao criticised it for claiming full credit for the factory building, reminding that the foundation was laid in 2022. He described the project as more than just a factory, calling it “an emotion” for the people of the region.

Highlighting its benefits, he said the Narmetta factory would yield 20 tonnes of oil for every 100 tonnes of crop crushed, compared with 19 tonnes at existing companies, ensuring better returns for farmers. Since harvesting takes place in less than a month, farmers would earn income once every 21 days, he added.

Urging farmers to take up oil palm cultivation, Harish Rao said there is a high demand for edible oil in India.

MLAs Kotha Prabhakar Reddy and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, MLC Dr V Yadava Reddy, and BRS leaders Vanteru Prathap Reddy and Errolla Srinivas were present.