Hyderabad: The Narmeta oil palm factory in Siddipet district has boosted farmer interest in oil palm cultivation and addressed doubts about the crop’s viability in the region.
State minister Ponnam Prabhakar made the remarks after inspecting the facility at Narmeta village in Nangunur mandal. The Chief Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the plant on March 22.
Prabhakar said the Narmeta oil palm factory had already created confidence among farmers in nearby areas. Earlier, many cultivators believed oil palm could not grow successfully in the region.
However, the project helped change that perception. As a result, more farmers have started considering the crop.
The minister credited minister Tummala Nageswara Rao for ensuring the project’s completion. Although the proposal existed earlier, construction progressed only after the government allocated ₹300 crore.
Therefore, officials expect the factory to provide a reliable processing facility for oil palm growers in the region.
Narmeta oil palm factory seen as model for district expansion
Prabhakar urged farmers to consider oil palm cultivation, especially as climate uncertainties continue to affect agriculture.
He said the government wants farmers to explore crops that offer stable returns. In this context, the Narmeta oil palm factory will support growers by ensuring processing facilities nearby.
The minister also said the state is considering a plan to establish one oil palm processing unit in every district.
Such units would strengthen the processing network and support farmers who adopt oil palm cultivation.
During the visit, Prabhakar thanked minister Tummala Nageswara Rao for completing the project after years of proposals.
Officials said the facility would allow farmers to process their produce locally once operations begin.
Consequently, the government expects the factory to encourage cultivation expansion and improve farm incomes in surrounding areas.
