Tripura’s low utilisation of oil palm funds raises serious environmental concerns as experts warn that aggressive oil palm expansion could threaten forests, water resources, biodiversity, and traditional farming systems despite increased central allocations under national edible oil missions.
Tripura’s uneven performance in utilising central funds allocated for oil palm and oilseed cultivation has reignited concerns over the environmental and social consequences of aggressively promoting oil palm in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive states. Despite rising allocations under key national schemes, actual implementation on the ground remains limited, raising questions about feasibility, sustainability, and long-term ecological impact.
According to official data released by the Government of India for the period between 2018–19 and 2022–23, Tripura has received steadily increasing financial allocations under the National Food Security Mission–Oilseeds (NFSM-OS) and the National Mission on Edible Oil–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP). However, the state has consistently fallen short in utilising these funds, particularly under the oil palm component.
In 2022–23 alone, Tripura was allocated a substantial Rs 935.43 lakh under NMEO-OP for oil palm cultivation. Yet, only Rs 462.74 lakh was actually released, indicating that less than half of the sanctioned amount could be implemented. This pattern of partial utilisation has been visible over multiple years. In 2018–19, the state received an allocation of Rs 172.44 lakh for oilseeds and oil palm, but only Rs 71.41 lakh was released. In 2020–21, allocations rose to Rs 157.50 lakh, while releases stood at Rs 78.75 lakh. Even in 2021–22, fund utilisation hovered around 50 percent, with Rs 85 lakh released against an allocation of Rs 170 lakh.
Environmental experts argue that this hesitation in fund utilisation reflects deeper concerns about the suitability of oil palm cultivation in Tripura’s fragile ecosystem. Oil palm is a water-intensive crop that requires large, contiguous land parcels for commercial viability. In a state where a significant portion of land is under forest cover and where agriculture is largely smallholder-based, such requirements pose serious challenges.
Tripura is home to rich biodiversity, extensive forest areas, and a large tribal population that depends on traditional farming systems, forest produce, and mixed cropping practices for livelihood. Environmentalists warn that large-scale oil palm plantations could accelerate deforestation, disrupt wildlife habitats, strain water resources, and lead to the replacement of diverse cropping systems with monoculture plantations. Such changes could undermine both ecological balance and food security.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact on water availability. Oil palm plantations require continuous irrigation, which could put pressure on rivers, groundwater reserves, and community water sources, especially during dry seasons. In hilly and forested terrains like Tripura, changes in land use could also increase soil erosion and reduce natural water retention.
Agricultural economists suggest that resistance from farming communities is another key reason behind low fund utilisation. Many farmers are wary of shifting from traditional crops to oil palm, which involves long gestation periods, higher input costs, and dependence on corporate processing units. There is also uncertainty over long-term market stability and environmental consequences.
At the national level, however, the push for oil palm remains strong. In 2022–23, India allocated Rs 56,319.12 lakh for oil palm and Rs 39,004.07 lakh for oilseeds, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing dependence on imported edible oils. While the economic rationale is clear, critics argue that a uniform approach does not account for regional ecological sensitivities.
Experts believe that Tripura could adopt a more sustainable strategy by prioritising traditional oilseeds such as mustard, sesame, and groundnut. These crops are better suited to the state’s agro-climatic conditions, require less water, and align more closely with existing farming practices. Promoting diversified and climate-resilient cropping systems could enhance farmer incomes without placing excessive pressure on natural resources.
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There is also a growing demand for stricter environmental impact assessments before expanding oil palm cultivation. Experts stress the need for transparent land-use planning, meaningful community consultations, and close coordination between the agriculture department, forest authorities, and local institutions. Without these safeguards, oil palm expansion risks triggering long-term ecological damage and social conflict.
The data underscores that Tripura stands at a critical crossroads. While increased central funding offers opportunities to boost edible oil production and farmer income, unchecked expansion of oil palm could threaten forests, water security, and tribal livelihoods. A balanced approach that emphasises sustainable oilseed cultivation over large-scale monoculture plantations may be essential to protect both the environment and rural communities in the long run.
