District Collector Smt. Kritika Shukla, IAS, participated in the Oil Palm Mega Plantation and Awareness Conference organized by the Department of Horticulture at Ganapavaram village, Rajupalem mandal.
As part of the program, the District Collector planted saplings along with farmers, marking the inauguration of the initiative aimed at promoting oil palm cultivation across the district. The event witnessed active participation from around 100 farmers, who gathered to learn about the economic and environmental benefits of oil palm plantations.
Addressing the gathering, Collector Kritika Shukla emphasized the importance of oil palm cultivation as a profitable and sustainable agricultural practice. She urged farmers to take advantage of government support schemes and adopt oil palm as a means to increase their income and contribute to the district’s agricultural development.
On this occasion, the Collector released a technical booklet prepared by the Horticulture Department, providing detailed guidance on oil palm cultivation, management practices, and support mechanisms available for farmers.
To further encourage participation, the department also facilitated the signing of buy-back agreements between farmers and the designated processing companies, ensuring a secure market for their produce.
The District Collector appreciated the efforts of the Horticulture Department for organizing the awareness conference and called for continued collaboration between officials and farmers to expand oil palm cultivation in the region.
The event concluded with a collective plantation drive, symbolizing the district’s commitment toward sustainable agriculture and green development.