Oil Palm Development Programme under ISOPOM:

The Oil Palm Development Programme is a part of the Integrated Scheme for Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM) launched by the Government of India in 2014-15. The main objective of the programme is to increase the production of oil palm and make India self-sufficient in edible oils.

Under the Oil Palm Development Programme, the government provides financial assistance to farmers for setting up oil palm plantations. The scheme also provides support for research and development activities, extension services, and marketing of oil palm products.

States included under the Oil Palm Development Programme:

All the above-mentioned states, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Tripura, are included under the Oil Palm Development Programme. The government has identified certain areas in these states as suitable for oil palm cultivation and is encouraging farmers to take up oil palm plantation as a means of livelihood.

Benefits of Oil Palm Development Programme:

The Oil Palm Development Programme has several benefits, such as:

- Increase in the production of palm oil, which is a major source of edible oil.
- Improvement in the income of farmers, as oil palm is a high-value cash crop.
- Creation of employment opportunities in rural areas, as oil palm plantation requires a significant amount of labor.
- Reduction in the country's dependence on imports of edible oils.
- Promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, as oil palm is a low-input and high-output crop.

Conclusion:

The Oil Palm Development Programme under ISOPOM is a significant initiative by the government to increase the production of palm oil in the country. The inclusion of Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Tripura under the scheme is a step towards achieving self-sufficiency in edible oils and improving the livelihoods of farmers in these states.