On April 15, 2025, a team from the National Level Monitoring Team (NALMOT) visited the oil palm field of farmer Narasimha Reddy in Velda Jarla village, located in the Keshampet and Farrukhnagar mandals. During their visit, they also inspected intercropped papaya.
Smt. Sarojini, the Additional Director of Horticulture, encouraged farmers to adopt oil palm cultivation for improved income and long-term growth. Dr. K. Ponnu Swamy, the Director of the Oilseeds Development Corporation, emphasized that oil palm can yield high returns, especially in areas with sufficient water availability. He also noted that oil palm gardens are generally resistant to pests and mentioned that the department is actively working to address challenges related to cultivation.
The team subsequently visited plantations in Mansanpally and Ghattupalli, located in the Maheshwaram mandal. Dr. Swamy highlighted the government’s partnership with Value Oil and Gas Services Pvt. Ltd. to promote oil palm cultivation in the region.
The NALMOT team for Telangana included Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Director of the Directorate of Oilseeds Development in Hyderabad; Dr. G. Vijaya Krishna, Scientist (H) and Head of HRS, Aswaraopet; and Smt. Sarojini, Additional Director of Horticulture (Oil Palm). They were joined by officials from the Directorate of Oilseeds Development, the District Horticulture and Sericulture Officer (DHSO), the Assistant Director of Horticulture (ADH) for Ranga Reddy District, staff from Value Oil and Gas Services Pvt. Ltd., and Vice President Rama Mohan Rao.