In a joint effort to promote sustainable oil palm farming, 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. and the Department of Horticulture, Andhra Pradesh, have rolled out a large-scale farmer awareness campaign across 50 villages in Eluru, West Godavari, and East Godavari districts

The awareness initiative centers on educating farmers in effective oil palm cultivation practices, covering key areas such as agronomy, input usage, pest and disease management, and sustainable harvesting. Through hands-on demonstrations, interactive sessions, and expert guidance, the program aims to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance yield and profitability.

India currently relies on imports for over 60 per cent of its edible oil needs, bringing in more than 13 million tonnes annually. In response, the Government of India launched the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), aiming to expand oil palm cultivation by an additional 6.5 lakh hectares by the year 2025–26.

Andhra Pradesh stands at the forefront of this mission, accounting for over 60 per cent of the country’s oil palm cultivation. With more than 1.5 lakh hectares already under cultivation, the state plays a crucial role in reducing import dependency and bolstering domestic production.

“This collaboration highlights the shared commitment of 3F Oil Palm and the Department of Horticulture to strengthen the oil palm ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh and support the broader objective of achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil,” said Mr. Srinivas Rao Kilari, Head of Agriculture at 3F Oil Palm Pvt. Ltd. “The program is set to benefit hundreds of farmers directly, and we anticipate a positive ripple effect in elevating oil palm cultivation practices across the region.”