Tripura government and Godrej Agrovet discussed expanding oil palm cultivation, establishing a modern R&D Centre and Centre of Excellence in Nalkata, boosting farmer training, scientific research, employment opportunities and sustainable agricultural growth across the state.
A delegation from Godrej Agrovet Limited met Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday to discuss the ongoing progress and future expansion of oil palm cultivation projects in the state.
The meeting focused on strengthening oil palm plantations in several districts of Tripura and exploring new opportunities for research, training and agricultural development. The delegation included Sougata Niyogi, Chief Executive Officer of the Oil Palm Business division of Godrej Agrovet Limited, along with senior research experts Dr. Kamlesh Fondekar, Dr. Hari Kulaveerasingam and Dr. Santosh Swamy.
During the discussions, company representatives provided updates on oil palm cultivation activities currently underway in the districts of Unakoti district, Dhalai district and North Tripura district. These projects are being managed by the company as part of efforts to increase oil palm production and support the state’s agricultural sector.
According to the delegation, oil palm cultivation in tea estates has produced encouraging outcomes without negatively affecting tea plants or the oil palm crops. Based on these results, the company expressed interest in expanding oil palm plantations in more tea gardens across Tripura.
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the proposed Research and Development Centre at Nalkata. Officials informed the minister that the process for establishing the facility is underway. The delegation also proposed the creation of a Centre of Excellence for oil palm cultivation in Tripura, which would function as a national-level learning and training hub for farmers, researchers and scientists.
The company sought land allocation from the state government for setting up the proposed Centre of Excellence. Officials stated that the project could strengthen scientific research, technological innovation and farmer support services in the agriculture sector.
Discussions also covered plans for establishing an oil palm processing mill at Nalkata, along with progeny testing, seed garden development and fertilizer allocation for oil palm farming. The possibility of expanding plantations in government orchards and additional tea estates was also reviewed during the meeting.
Speaking after the discussions, Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the meeting was productive and focused on accelerating the development of oil palm cultivation initiatives in the state. He said the proposed Research and Development Centre and Centre of Excellence could create new opportunities for scientific advancement, employment generation and sustainable agricultural growth.
The minister further stated that Godrej Agrovet Limited is planning to establish what could become India’s second most modern oil palm research and development centre in Tripura. He added that such projects would benefit farmers while contributing to the growth of agriculture and allied sectors in the state.
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Assuring full support from the state administration, the minister directed concerned officials to explore all possible measures for the successful implementation and expansion of oil palm projects in Tripura. He reiterated that the government remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, increasing agricultural productivity and promoting long-term rural development.
