India’s First Oil Palm Processing Unit Commences Operations
Roing( Arunachal Pradesh): In a groundbreaking achievement for India’s agricultural landscape, 3F Oil Palm, one of the nation’s largest oil palm development companies, has launched India’s maiden integrated oil palm processing unit, marking a momentous occasion. Located in Roing, nestled in the lower Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, this facility embodies Mission Palm Oil, a crucial initiative propelling India towards self-sufficiency in edible oils, bolstered by the National Mission on Edible Oils—Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
This comprehensive project includes a state-of-the-art oil palm factory encompassing processing and refining capabilities, a zero-discharge effluent plant, a palm waste-based power facility, and ancillary structures to support operations. Notably, this facility stands as the inaugural oil palm factory in Arunachal Pradesh and the first under NMEO-OP in India.
The virtual inauguration of the 3F Oil Palm Processing Unit by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on March 9th, 2024, signals the onset of a transformative journey. During the event, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation for various projects totaling over ₹55,000 Crore, underscoring the government’s unwavering dedication to Northeastern development.
Addressing attendees at the Viksit Bharat – Viksit Northeast event in Arunachal Pradesh, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored the government’s commitment to Mission Palm Oil, particularly emphasizing its significance for the Northeast. He commended the region’s farmers for their enthusiastic participation in palm cultivation, heralding a promising future.
Commenting on India’s palm oil prospects, Mr. Sanjay Goenka, Managing Director & CEO of 3F Oil Palm Pvt Limited, emphasized the vital role of palm oil in ensuring national food security amid escalating demand for edible oils. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision and lauded the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh for their steadfast support.
Arunachal Pradesh boasts 130,000 hectares of suitable land for oil palm cultivation, with the Northeast region alone possessing 33% of the nation’s designated cultivable area. Despite this potential, only 4% of Northeast’s oil palm capacity has been utilized thus far, exacerbating India’s reliance on imported edible oils. To address this, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduced the NMEO-Oil Palm Policy, aimed at promoting domestic oil palm cultivation, especially in the Northeast.
The Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit by 3F Oil Palm features cutting-edge technology capable of processing fresh fruit bunches into high-quality palm oil at a rate of 10 metric tons per hour. With 2,500 hectares currently under cultivation involving 500 farmers, 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd leads Arunachal Pradesh’s oil palm development efforts.
Central to 3F Oil Palm’s approach is its farmer-centric, technology-driven model. The company’s “3F Akshaya Kendra” serves as a comprehensive resource center for farmers, offering agricultural products, equipment, financial services, and more. Leveraging innovative technologies like their proprietary plantation management software and drone-assisted crop monitoring, 3F Oil Palm aims to revolutionize agricultural practices.
Through initiatives such as importing high-quality hybrid seeds and providing agricultural inputs, 3F Oil Palm endeavors to enhance farmer yields and facilitate planting processes. With plans to expand by 5,000 hectares annually over the next five years in Lower Dibang District, Arunachal Pradesh, the company remains committed to its growth trajectory.
Establishing a firm foothold in various states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and now Arunachal Pradesh, 3F Oil Palm is dedicated to formulating a robust growth strategy for the Northeastern region. The inauguration of the Oil Palm Processing Unit marks a significant milestone in this pursuit of sustainable development.
