On July 30, 2025, a mega oil palm plantation drive was successfully conducted in Muppala village, located in Ipur Mandal of Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh. The event marked a significant step towards advancing sustainable agriculture and promoting oil palm cultivation in the region.
As part of the initiative, an awareness meeting was organized to engage and inform stakeholders about the benefits, potential, and future prospects of oil palm cultivation. The gathering witnessed the presence of several eminent dignitaries and key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors. Among the notable attendees were the Honourable MLA of Vinukonda Constituency and Government Chief Whip of Andhra Pradesh, Sri G.V. Anjaneyulu Garu; Sri Ramakrishna Babu Paladugu, District Horticulture Officer; Sri Rama Mohana Rao, Vice President of Value Oil and Gas Services Pvt. Ltd.; and Sri Ramakrishna, CEO & Director of the same company.
In addition, officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, including Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs), Horticulture Officers (HOs), field-level staff, and the Area Manager, actively participated. A large number of local farmers also attended the event, reflecting strong grassroots interest and support for the initiative.
During the event, Sri G.V. Anjaneyulu Garu addressed the attendees and emphasized the long-term benefits of oil palm cultivation for farmers, especially in terms of income security, employment generation, and rural development. Recognizing the importance of timely implementation, he assigned specific targets to AEOs, HOs, and support staff to convert existing agricultural land into oil palm plantations.
To boost morale and encourage healthy competition, the MLA announced performance-based incentives sponsored by his Shivashakthi Foundation. Officers and staff who show exceptional results in oil palm promotion would be rewarded with ₹10,000 for the first place and ₹5,000 for the second place. He further directed all concerned departments to submit a progress report every 15 days, ensuring regular monitoring and accountability.
Ipur Mandal has been identified as a high-potential area, with approximately 5,000 acres of land deemed suitable for oil palm cultivation. The collaborative efforts of government officials, private partners, and farmers are expected to transform this potential into a model of successful agri-based economic development.
The plantation drive and the associated awareness campaign highlighted the government’s proactive approach to fostering sustainable agriculture, crop diversification, and farmer prosperity through structured public-private partnerships.