Date:24/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/24/stories/2008072451890300.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Meet on oil palm held

Correspondent

Creating awareness on benefits of the crop stressed

VIZIANAGARAM: Chairperson of the Zilla Parishad B. Appala Naidu has said that for the promotion of oil palm cultivation small and marginal farmers, in addition to subsidy, must be given some amount as advance through processing units for their sustenance as the fruit production would begin only after four years.

Speaking after inaugurating the regional conference on oil palm here on Wednesday, Mr. Naidu said that 31 mandals out of 34 in the district were found suitable for raising oil palm. He suggested creation of awareness by holding workshops on the benefits.

G. Srinivasulu Naidu, MLC (Teacher), appealed to the Government to ensure crop insurance, to discourage middlemen and to strengthen marketing.

K. Madhusudhan Rao, Commissioner (Horticulture), said that the crop area of oil palm in all the districts, except West Godavari and some parts of Krishna, was far below the targets.

However, efforts were made this year to meet the target of 20,000 ha against 15,000 ha last year. In Vizianagaram, the crop area was 1600 ha against 2000 ha planned. He said that with the decision of the Government to meet the expenditure incurred by SCs/STs for raising the crop there was tremendous response from them.

On an appeal from a grower, Mr. Madhusudhan Rao said that proposals that were sent for including 42 more mandals in the State as suitable for oil palm were pending with the Centre. S. Chellappa, Principal Secretary (Agriculture and Cooperation), M. Kochu Babu, Director, NRC for oil palm, and growers from the three north coastal districts attended the conference.