Monday, 23 June 2025
3F Oil Palm Private Limited, in partnership with the Assam government, has kicked off a large-scale oil palm plantation initiative under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in Dima Hasao district. The plantation was launched on Friday at Digandu Village 5 on a 20-hectare plot owned by farmer Maijen Hagjer, known for his commitment to sustainable agriculture.
In a significant push to promote oil palm cultivation in the Northeast, 3F Oil Palm Private Limited, in collaboration with the Assam government, has launched a large-scale plantation project in Dima Hasao district. The initiative, rolled out under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), was formally launched at Digandu Village 5.
The plantation spans 20 hectares and is being developed on land owned by Maijen Hagjer, a progressive farmer renowned in the region for practicing sustainable and environmentally conscious farming methods. His involvement underscores the mission’s emphasis on integrating ecological sensitivity with agricultural expansion.
“We are playing a key role in the State’s oil palm development efforts,” said Srinivasarao Kilari, Vice President of 3F Oil Palm. “We believe oil palm cultivation can be a transformative crop for the Northeast. It holds promise for improving rural livelihoods, enhancing edible oil self-sufficiency, and creating long-term economic value. We are committed to providing quality planting materials and timely technical support to ensure sustainable and profitable cultivation.”
This initiative marks a critical step in realising the objectives of the NMEO-OP, which aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported edible oils by boosting domestic oil palm cultivation. The Northeast, with its agro-climatic suitability and vast underutilised land resources, has been identified as a high-potential region for oil palm expansion.
The Dima Hasao project also carries strategic importance given the district’s hilly terrain, relatively low population density, and untapped agricultural potential. By focusing on such remote and ecologically delicate areas, the project aims to balance economic development with environmental responsibility.
3F Oil Palm is currently engaged in oil palm development across five Indian states and has established itself as a key player in the sector. The company’s integrated approach—ranging from providing planting materials and agronomic training to supporting post-harvest value chains—makes it a vital partner in the national mission.
State agriculture officials have expressed optimism that the project will create employment opportunities, reduce migration from rural areas, and help diversify income streams for tribal communities. As oil palm takes root in Assam, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for similar projects in other Northeast states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
