Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 7: In a shift from their traditional betel nut (areca) cultivation, farmers in Dakshina Kannada (DK) are increasingly turning towards oil palm (taale) farming as a supplementary crop. This move, gaining traction in recent years, is driven by the promise of high profits with relatively low investment.

Oil palm fruits are harvested around May, after which farmers collect and store them at convenient locations before handing them over to government-designated companies for oil extraction. This long-standing system in the coastal district has now gained renewed interest among cultivators.

Currently, around 200 farmers in the district are engaged in oil palm cultivation, producing nearly 2,000 tonnes annually. The market price for oil palm fruit stands at approximately Rs 18 per kg. However, with the central government recently slashing import duties on edible oils by 10%, a slight dip in prices is expected.

Still, farmers remain optimistic, cultivating oil palms both alongside betel nut trees and in separate plots. The crop’s minimum capital requirement and consistent returns, regardless of price fluctuations, make it an appealing alternative.

The harvested oil palm fruits are procured by Triple F Company, appointed by the Horticulture Department, and are sent to the oil extraction facility in Bagalkote. Presently, the district can supply up to 2,000 tonnes per day. If this daily production reaches 5,000 tonnes, there is potential to establish a local oil processing unit within the district itself.

Alongside Dakshina Kannada, oil palm is also cultivated in Shivamogga, Udupi, and Chikkamagaluru districts. To better organize farmers, a dedicated growers’ society has been established. As domestic oil palm production falls short of national demand, India continues to import from countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Africa.

Palm oil is in high demand across the food processing industry. It is a key ingredient in baked goods like biscuits and chocolates. During processing, the oil extracted from palm fruit initially has a red hue, which is later turned yellow through a refining process involving a minimal use of chemicals.

Farmers in Dakshina Kannada are now paving the way for a sustainable and profitable future by integrating oil palm cultivation into their agricultural practices, contributing significantly to both the local economy and the national food industry.