Aizawl: Mizoram, which geologists believe has vast oil reserve underground, has also rich potential for oil palm production.
The cultivation of oil palm is being carried out in seven districts: Aizawl, Kolasib, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Mamit, Serchhip and Saiha on 23,358 hectares of land.
Mizoram has produced 8957.44 metric tons of oil palm and earned a revenue of Rs 455.67 lakhs.
The state government introduced since 2008 cultivation in two districts– Kolasib and Lunglei– on 82 and 28 hectares respectively, under the Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPAM).
Under the same scheme, oil palm cultivation was expanded to three districts : Mamit, Serchhip and Lawngtlai. The total area of palm cultivation in the five districts covered 1878 hectares.
With a special programme on oil palm area expansion under RKVY during 2011-12, Aizawl district was included in Mizoram’s oil palm map.
The cultivation is expected to boost rural economy, as well as solving unemployment problem among the youths.
Three factories will be set up in Kolasib, Lunglei and Serchhip districts, with a estimated cost of Rs 650 lakh for each factory.
The soil in Mizoram with high moisture content and the moderate climatic condition are said to be highly suitable for oil palm cultivation. (UNI)
