The implementation of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) in Manipur has come under sharp scrutiny as farmers have raised serious concerns over delays, lack of technical support and non-release of promised assistance under the centrally sponsored scheme.
Launched in August 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the mission was projected as a major national initiative aimed at boosting domestic edible oil production and reducing India’s dependence on imports. With special financial provisions for the North Eastern Region, the scheme began implementation soon after the announcement. However, several years on, farmers say the assurances linked to the project have yet to translate into tangible benefits.
The scheme holds a distinctive legal framework as it is implemented under a State-legislated Act passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The Act mandates oil palm companies to supply Quality Planting Materials and obliges them to purchase Fresh Fruit Bunches from farmers at mutually agreed prices, thereby protecting both growers and investors.
Two companies—Patanjali Foods Limited and Godrej Agrovet Limited—have signed agreements with the State Government for oil palm development. Nurseries have been set up at Nongpok Sekmai in Thoubal and at Leingangpokpi in Jiribam to supply planting materials to beneficiaries.
Farmers say land and inputs are ready and sufficient funds have been earmarked, but mobilisation and technical guidance from the implementing agency remain largely absent.
The project was initially introduced in the districts of Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Ukhrul and Kamjong. Despite an estimated potential of more than 66,000 hectares identified by the Union Agriculture Ministry’s assessment committee, field reports indicate that only about 375 hectares have been planted so far against the target of 2,000 hectares up to October 2025.
Farmers and field staff have also pointed to the absence of awareness drives and training programmes, which were expected to be conducted at the village level to familiarise growers with oil palm cultivation. Technical training of extension personnel at the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research in Andhra Pradesh was also proposed under the scheme but has not been implemented.
The lack of training has created a serious knowledge gap among both farmers and extension workers, raising concerns over the viability of the crop in Manipur’s agro-climatic conditions. Experts warn that without proper scientific guidance, plantations may face risks of poor yield, crop failure and financial losses.
Equally troubling are complaints from farmers who have already planted oil palm trees. They claim that the financial assistance promised under the scheme has not been released even after the close of the planting season in October 2025. The benefits include Rs.12,500 per hectare per year for four years for intercropping and a one-time assistance of Rs.10,000 per hectare for backyard cultivation. Farmers allege that despite official indications that the funds are available in the State Nodal Account, the payments have not reached beneficiaries.
The delays have reportedly dampened the morale of participating farmers, many of whom now face difficulties in maintaining the plantations without the promised support.
Amid these developments, farmers and stakeholders have called upon the State Government and implementing agencies to urgently address the gaps in implementation. They have demanded the immediate release of pending assistance, organisation of grassroots awareness programmes and mandatory technical training for extension staff to ensure that the oil palm mission in Manipur does not falter before it takes root.