India Nears Oil Palm Plantation Expansion Target

India has made significant strides in its national oil palm development programme, nearly reaching its target of 650 thousand hectares by March 2026. According to UkrAgroConsult, the country's oil palm plantation area has expanded to around 640 thousand hectares, representing almost 98% of the target established under the National Mission on Edible Oils, Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), launched in 2021.

The expansion is expected to support higher domestic palm oil production and reduce India's dependence on imports. By the 2030/31 season, the country's crude palm oil output is projected to reach 1.5 million tons, nearly three times the current production level.

The states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana remain the core production regions, accounting for approximately 98% of India's oil palm output. Analysts say the success of these states demonstrates the crop's strong commercial potential when supported by irrigation and modern farming practices.