Sustainable crop diversification with oil palm in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur District is the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu and paddy is the main crop raised in nearly 60% of the cropped area. Since there were many risks associated with conventional cropping pattern, the farmers are in search for a farming practice that could provide them stable income and less labour requirement. The Government had identified the cultivation of oil palm in the Cauvery delta region as an ideal location for oil palm cultivation. After analysis, the farmers choose to go on with oil palm cultivation which proves to be highly befitting option. It is known to be the highest edible oil yielding perennial crop producing two distinct oils, Crude Palm Oil and Palm Kernel Oil. AICRP on oil palm is operated at Agricultural Research Station, Pattukkottai since 2012. Different oil palm Tenera hybrids are maintained at ARS, Pattukkottai and also in the farmer’s holding at Peraiyur village. The main objective is to introduce hybrids with high oil yield. The Tamil Nadu government has recognized this centre as Centre of Excellence in Oil palm during 2015 to promote the oil palm cultivation by improving the knowledge and skill of oil palm stake holders. Oil palm growers were under constant guidance of scientists working in AICRP on palms and the centre of excellence of oil palm. They constantly guided the oil palm growers on improved production strategies standardized by Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi. Series of trainings and demonstrations on drip irrigation technology, integrated nutrient, pest and disease management and marketing strategies were conducted. The palm oil industry deserves the highest priority and encouragement from the government to meet the internal demand of edible oil, resulting in a strong imprint on crop diversification towards improving the livelihood of the farmers, employment generation and boosting India’s food security.