Agartala, 22nd May 2026: A delegation from Godrej Agrovet Limited today met Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath to discuss the progress and future expansion of oil palm cultivation in Tripura.
The delegation included Sougata Niyogi, CEO – Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Limited; Dr. Kamlesh Fondekar, Head of Research & Development; Dr. Hari Kulaveerasingam, former Head of Research & Development at SD Guthrie, Malaysia; and Dr. Santosh Swamy, Head of R&D, Oil Palm Business, Godrej Agrovet Limited.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the ongoing oil palm cultivation projects in Unakoti, Dhalai and North Tripura districts, which are being managed by the company.
The delegation informed the minister that oil palm cultivation in tea estates has shown encouraging results without affecting either the tea plants or the oil palm crops. They also expressed interest in expanding oil palm plantations further in tea gardens across the state.
The team briefed the minister about the proposed Research and Development Centre at Nalkata, which is currently under process, along with plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Tripura.
The proposed centre would serve as a learning and training hub for farmers, researchers and scientists from across the country. The delegation also requested land allocation from the state government for the project.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included the establishment of an oil palm processing mill at Nalkata, progeny testing and seed garden development, fertilizer allocation for oil palm cultivation, and the possibility of expanding oil palm plantations in tea estates and government orchards.
Following the discussions, Minister assured the delegation of the state government’s full support and directed the concerned officials to explore all possible avenues for the successful implementation and expansion of oil palm cultivation projects in Tripura.
