India's first Oil Palm processing unit begins operations in Arunachal

Roing: In a major milestone for India's agricultural sector, 3F Oil Palm, a leading oil palm development company, has begun commercial operations at its first-of-its-kind integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit at Roing in Arunachal Pradesh.

This marks a crucial step forward for Mission Palm Oil, a government initiative aimed at boosting domestic edible oil production and reducing reliance on imports, the company said in a statement.

The state-of-the-art processing unit boasts an impressive capacity of 10 metric tons per hour, efficiently processing fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) into high-quality palm oil, it added.

This project signifies a significant advancement towards Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in edible oils for India, which currently imports a staggering 96% of its palm oil needs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the unit on March 9th, 2024, during the Viksit Bharat – Viksit Northeast event.

He emphasized the government's focus on Mission Palm Oil, particularly in the Northeast region. This focus aims to not only achieve self-sufficiency but also empower farmers and increase their income.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of Northeast farmers and their dedication to palm cultivation since the launch of the Mission.

Sanjay Goenka, Managing Director & CEO of 3F Oil Palm Pvt Limited, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for his vision and support for Mission Palm Oil. He highlighted 3F Oil Palm's commitment to playing a pivotal role in India's economic development.

3F Oil Palm is the first company in Arunachal Pradesh to import high-quality hybrid variety seed sprouts and provide agricultural inputs to farmers.

These initiatives are expected to significantly boost farmer yields and make palm cultivation more accessible. With this new processing unit operational, the company ambitiously targets adding 5,000 hectares of plantation area annually over the next five years in the Lower Dibang District.