Oil Palm Farming Yields Crores: Chhattisgarh Farmer’s 35 Year Success Story

Progressive farmer Mukesh Chandrakar from Bhalesar village in Mahasamund district is reaping Rs 1.25 lakh profit per acre from oil palm cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oil, Oil Palm (NMEO OP), turning barren land into a lifelong income source.

From Barren Land to Bounty

Since 2016, Chandrakar planted 1,900 oil palm saplings across his 33 acres of fallow land, supported by government subsidies for saplings, fencing, drip irrigation, and maintenance. Yielding from year three and productive for 35 years, each tree now delivers Rupees 3,000 annual income, totaling over Rupees 57 lakh yearly from his farm.

Intercropping bananas initially added Rupees 1.5 lakh, followed by cocoa sales to private firms for extra revenue. Requiring minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides, this low maintenance crop offers steady returns, inspiring 400 local farmers across 450 hectares.

Economic Ripple Effects

Chandrakar employs over two dozen workers year round, providing stable jobs where seasonal migration was once the norm. His model demonstrates oil palm’s versatility in food, soaps, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, slashing India’s edible oil import dependency.

Horticulture officials emphasize technical guidance, marketing support, and expanded subsidies like Rupees 1.30 lakh per hectare plus state top ups, alongside workshops urged by Collector Vinay Kumar Langeh.

Path to National Self Reliance

Oil palm aligns with crop diversification, conserving water while boosting farmer incomes in water stressed regions like Chhattisgarh. With Mahasamund leading at 611 hectares, the mission promises atmanirbharta, reduced imports, and rural prosperity through sustainable, high value agriculture. Chandrakar’s journey proves visionary farming can transform lives and landscapes enduringly.