The Union ministry of agriculture has allocated Rs 259.2 crore to three southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, out of a total Rs 300 crore for implementing a special programme aimed at increasing the area under oil palm.
The funding has also been provided for previous years’ maintenance expenditure of plantations and other committed expenditures for oil palm cultivation under the Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oil Palm and Maize (ISOPOM).
As part of its work plan, the ministry would increase the area under oil palm by 60,000 hectares, from the present area of 171,000 hectares.
