Palm Oil Farmers Set for Prosperity: Minister Atchanaidu

Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister Atchanaidu on Thursday inaugurated the new building of the Horticulture and Sericulture Department at the Prime Hill Crest premises. Speaking on the occasion, the minister emphasized that the welfare of farmers cultivating palm oil remains a key priority of the government.

Following the inauguration, a meeting of the Palm Oil Price Determination Committee was held under the minister’s chairmanship to finalize the formula for calculating palm oil kernel prices for 2025-26.

Minister Atchanaidu highlighted that the opening of the new office would strengthen the department’s administrative functions and help deliver better services to farmers. During the meeting, officials discussed crucial issues related to the palm oil sector, including OER percentages , oil content, and palm nut recovery rates.

The minister also noted that Andhra Pradesh ranks first in the country in palm oil cultivation, production, and productivity. Around 197,000 farmers cultivate palm oil across 249,000 hectares in 24 districts and 371 mandals. With an average yield of 19.81 tons per hectare, palm oil provides a substantial income.

For 2025-26, 24,535 hectares of new plantations have been added, with ₹181.28 crore released directly to farmers’ accounts. Under the National Oilseeds Mission , the central government provides free seedlings, cultivation incentives, intercropping support, and discounts on irrigation equipment.

The event was attended by Special Chief Secretary B. Rajashekar , Horticulture Director Srinivasulu, additional directors, palm oil farmers, and company representatives.