Mizoram Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati emphasized the potential of Mizoram to emerge as a leading oil palm producer in India during a meeting with a team from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR-IIOPR) on December 18. Interacting with ICAR experts at the Raj Bhavan, the Governor underscored the urgent need to reduce India’s dependency on imported edible oils by boosting local production. Highlighting Mizoram’s capacity, he called for focused efforts to address farmers’ challenges and enhance cultivation practices.
“Mizoram has the potential to significantly contribute to India’s self-reliance in edible oil production,” Kambhampati stated, urging ICAR to collaborate with cultivators and implement strategies tailored to the state’s needs.The ICAR-IIOPR team, including Principal Scientists Dr. K. Manorama and Dr. G. Ravichandran, briefed the Governor on their initiatives in Mizoram, which currently leads the Northeast in oil palm cultivation. They noted the state’s cultivation potential spans 60,000 to 70,000 hectares.
The Governor encouraged ICAR to work through its Mizoram Centre in Kolasib to optimize resources and enhance production. The discussions marked a significant step towards positioning Mizoram as a key player in India’s edible oil sector.
