Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, March 16: In a notable departure from traditional horticultural crops such as coconut and arecanut, farmers in Udupi are increasingly embracing palm cultivation. A growing number of farmers, who have previously relied on multi-crop farming, are now turning to palm cultivation and achieving notable success.

The number of palm cultivators in the district, which was once negligible, has now surpassed 200. This surge in palm farming is supported by a project initiated in collaboration with the horticulture department, private companies, and farmers to promote palm cultivation in the region.

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Palm oil, a long-standing staple in Indian kitchens, has consistently enjoyed strong demand, boosting the confidence of farmers. Moreover, palm oil is a key ingredient in a wide range of products, expanding its market potential. This enduring demand has made palm cultivation an increasingly lucrative venture for farmers in the region.

With many farmers cultivating paddy and arecanut facing labour shortages, palm cultivation has emerged as a more profitable alternative due to its lower maintenance requirements. As a result, several farmers are making the switch to palm cultivation.

Bhuvaneshwari, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department, explained that certified agencies provide palm seedlings for new plantations, and the department offers financial assistance for planting and ongoing maintenance. After four years of cultivation, farmers are also eligible for financial support to install borewells for irrigation purposes.

“I have been cultivating palm for 12 years. Currently, I have 300 trees spread over five acres. Last year, my yield was 400 tonnes. This crop allows for 21 harvests a year,” said Dayananda Hegde, a successful palm cultivator from Kakkunje, Karkala.

Hegde went on to highlight that, under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, companies directly purchase the harvested palm fruit, thus eliminating the risk of market fluctuations for farmers. Furthermore, during the first five years of palm plantations, farmers can grow intercrops such as ginger and pineapple for additional income.

Palm trees, Hegde added, require similar water levels to arecanut and coconut trees but are more resilient to diseases like ‘kole roga’ (fruit rot disease), which has significantly impacted arecanut cultivation in recent years.

Mahesh Bhat, another palm cultivator from Edamoge, Kundapur, praised the government’s support for palm farming. “Last year, the government announced a support price of Rs 12.50 per kg for palm fruit, which has now increased to Rs 17.50 this year. With minimal labour requirements, I encourage more farmers to consider palm cultivation as a viable alternative,” Bhat said.

As an increasing number of farmers in Udupi embrace palm cultivation, the region is witnessing a shift towards a more sustainable and profitable agricultural practice. This transition is providing hope for further growth and success within the sector in the coming years.