Bhubaneswar: Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, has underscored the vital need to accelerate domestic edible oil production across the state under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
Addressing a high-level review meeting held at the New Abhishek Hall in Lok Seva Bhawan, the Governor highlighted how expanding oil palm cultivation will significantly reduce India’s reliance on foreign imports, conserve valuable foreign exchange reserves, and strengthen overall national food security. Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department graced the occasion.
Describing the mission as a pivotal pillar of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, Governor Kambhampati praised the state’s immense potential to emerge as a leading contributor to national self-reliance in edible oils. He noted that oil palm is among the most high-yielding oilseed crops, producing four to five times more oil per unit area than traditional oilseeds. With a single plantation remaining productive for nearly thirty years, oil palm offers farmers a stable, long-term source of income while protecting the economy from global market volatility.
The Governor commended the holistic strategy being implemented in Odisha, which encompasses quality planting material, modern irrigation support, processing setup, assured buyback mechanisms, and scientific extension services. He expressed strong confidence that the cluster-based implementation strategy adopted by the state government, in close coordination with district administrations, research institutions, and empanelled private partners, will transform rural livelihoods and foster a sustainable palm oil ecosystem.
Spearheading these strategic expansion efforts in the state is Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department. At the meeting, Shri Jadhav presented a detailed overview of the status, progress, and roadmap for NMEO-OP implementation across Odisha. Under his proactive leadership, the department is actively driving timely target achievements, enhancing farmer capacity building, expanding processing infrastructure, and encouraging the widespread adoption of modern agricultural technologies to ensure every eligible farmer reaps the benefits of the mission.
Governor Kambhampati appreciated the dedication of departmental officers and private sector partners involved in the initiative. During discussions with oil palm company representatives and officials from the Directorate of Horticulture, the Governor reviewed subsidy distribution mechanisms and discussed solutions to key operational challenges. He also advocated for expanding overall oilseed and pulse production, alongside encouraging renewable energy adoption such as rooftop solar and electric vehicles to lower fossil fuel import dependence.
The meeting opened with a welcome address by Director of Horticulture Shri Kalunge Gorakh Waman and concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Director Shrimati Geetashree Padhi. With synchronized departmental action led by Shri Jadhav and strong policy guidance from Governor Dr.Kambhampati, Odisha is steadily paving the way toward robust agricultural growth, farmer empowerment, and self-sufficiency in edible oils.