Assam Pushes Oil Palm in Tea Gardens; Minister Warns Fertiliser Mafia
Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika urges using unused tea garden land for oil palm to cut imports and warns fertiliser suppliers against exploitation.
In a strategic move to transform the agricultural landscape of the state, Assam's Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, and Parliamentary Affairs, Pijush Hazarika, has called for the active utilisation of unused tea garden land for oil palm cultivation Assam. Speaking at a special stakeholder conference in Guwahati, the Minister emphasised the need to dismantle myths and misconceptions that have hindered the adoption of this high-value crop.
Combating Misconceptions and Boosting Economy
Addressing the concerns of stakeholders, Minister Hazarika clarified that oil palm does not require excessive water, noting that its water needs are comparable to those of paddy cultivation. He urged the farming community to cast aside unnecessary fears and embrace the crop as a "golden opportunity."
The Minister highlighted a critical economic motive: by increasing domestic production, Assam can help the country save thousands of crores of rupees currently spent on edible oil imports. This shift would ensure that financial benefits flow directly to the farmers rather than foreign exporters.
The Roadmap for Horticultural Expansion
Following a State Cabinet decision, official approval has been granted to cultivate oil palm on up to 5 per cent of unused land within tea gardens. The government has laid out an ambitious plan to position Assam as a leading horticulture state with the following targets:
- Income Potential: Farmers could secure a guaranteed income of up to Rs 50,000 per bigha through oil palm.
- Land Targets: The goal is to bring 15,000 hectares of agricultural land under oil palm cultivation over the next five years.
- Irrigation: 30,000 hectares are slated to be brought under irrigation within the same period.
- Diversification: The remaining 5 per cent of unused tea garden land will be encouraged for multi-crop cultivation, with a special focus on the Barak Valley.
To further support this transition, the state will distribute 5 crore horticultural saplings annually starting next year, including varieties of litchi, dragon fruit, and areca nut. Additionally, the government will organise exposure tours for tea garden owners to Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh to provide practical, first-hand knowledge of successful oil palm farming.
Stern Warning to Fertiliser Suppliers
Immediately following the conference, Minister Hazarika shifted his focus to the supply chain, holding a high-stakes meeting with fertiliser supplying agencies. The Minister issued a blunt warning against any form of exploitation of the farming community.
Zero Tolerance for Irregularities
The Minister made it clear that the government will not tolerate "forced bundling," where farmers are coerced into buying unnecessary items to obtain subsidised fertilisers. He also strictly prohibited the practice of shifting transportation costs or rail-rake point distances onto the farmers or local retail vendors.
"Every farmer must receive fertilisers at government-subsidised regulated rates, and strict legal action will be initiated against anyone attempting to exploit retailers or create artificial fertiliser shortages in the market."
Minister Hazarika reiterated that the core objective of the government is to build a self-reliant and dynamic agriculture-driven state. He stressed that timely supply, fair pricing, and the protection of farmers' rights are non-negotiable priorities for the administration.