Former Minister T Harish Rao directed horticulture and Oilfed officials to expand oil palm cultivation by 2,000 acres in Siddipet. He also stressed farmer awareness, easier fertiliser access and proposed development works at Machavani Kunta lake with an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore
Oil palm farmers in Nalgonda are facing crop losses as tall trees come into contact with low-hanging power lines, causing fires. Farmers say they are also being forced to bear the cost of shifting the lines despite repeated complaints to electricity officials
The oil palm factory at Gopalgiri village was supposed to be completed in two years, but since the government is not showing much interest in taking up the project, farmers are getting unrest and majority of them are reportedly planning to cut down the area of cultivation or completely stop
Although the current price is still below the Rs 23,000 per tonne seen in June 2022, it represents a substantial improvement. The higher import duty has led to a rise in domestic prices, making it more profitable for farmers to sell their produce.
This decision was intended to boost the income of oil palm farmers who have been at the receiving end due to rise in the oil palm imports for the past few years.
