📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Cayambe
Agriculture
Assam targets 20,000 bighas for oil-palm cultivation to boost ‘makhana’ output
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 03:03 AM
👁 45
The Assam government has announced a plan to allocate 20,000 bighas of land for oil‑palm cultivation, aiming to increase the region’s ‘makhana’ production.
The state administration in Assam has unveiled a new agricultural drive that will set aside 20,000 bighas of land for oil‑palm cultivation. Officials describe the initiative as a strategic move to expand the cultivation of the crop locally known as ‘makhana’, which is expected to add value to the state's agrarian output.
According to the plan, the designated area will be developed in phases, with the first tranche of planting slated to begin in the upcoming sowing season. The Agriculture Department will coordinate with local cooperatives and private growers to provide seedlings, technical guidance, and financial assistance.
State officials anticipate that the project will generate employment for rural households, diversify crop patterns, and create a new revenue stream for the region. Projections suggest that oil‑palm yields could substantially raise the volume of ‘makhana’ products available for both domestic consumption and export.
The government has also outlined measures to address potential environmental concerns, including soil testing, sustainable irrigation practices, and monitoring of pesticide use. A review of the scheme’s progress is scheduled for the end of the fiscal year.
According to the plan, the designated area will be developed in phases, with the first tranche of planting slated to begin in the upcoming sowing season. The Agriculture Department will coordinate with local cooperatives and private growers to provide seedlings, technical guidance, and financial assistance.
State officials anticipate that the project will generate employment for rural households, diversify crop patterns, and create a new revenue stream for the region. Projections suggest that oil‑palm yields could substantially raise the volume of ‘makhana’ products available for both domestic consumption and export.
The government has also outlined measures to address potential environmental concerns, including soil testing, sustainable irrigation practices, and monitoring of pesticide use. A review of the scheme’s progress is scheduled for the end of the fiscal year.