Archive · 4 Jan 2026
Farmers in Sircilla Shift to Oil Palm
Farmers in a district called Rajanna Sircilla in India are starting to grow oil palm trees instead of traditional crops.
The government is helping them by giving big discounts on plants and equipment.
Oil palm trees are strong and can handle bad weather and animals better than other crops.
Farmers can also grow vegetables or flowers between the palm trees for extra money.
After four years, the trees start producing fruit, and farmers can sell it to companies that pay them quickly.
The government says this can give farmers a steady income for 35 years.
Some farmers are already happy with their oil palm trees because they are easy to take care of and give them regular money.
Farmers in Rajanna Sircilla district are shifting to oil palm cultivation due to attractive government subsidies and long-term financial benefits.
The government provides up to 90% subsidy on oil palm plants for small farmers and 100% subsidy on drip irrigation for SC/ST farmers.
Oil palm is resilient to natural calamities and wildlife damage, and farmers can cultivate other crops between the palm rows for additional income.
Harvesting begins from the fourth year, with yields increasing from 5-7 tonnes per acre to 15 tonnes per acre by the seventh year.
Currently, oil palm is cultivated on 2,393 acres in the district, with 194 farmers registered for an additional 500 acres in the 2025-26 season.
- Who
- Farmers in Rajanna Sircilla district, India
- What
- Shifting to oil palm cultivation
- When
- Current and upcoming seasons, with 194 farmers registered for 2025-26
- Where
- Rajanna Sircilla district, Telangana, India
- Why
- Attractive government subsidies and long-term financial security
- Subsidy for Small Farmers
- 90% on oil palm plants
- Subsidy for SC/ST Farmers
- 100% on drip irrigation equipment
- Cost per Plant
- ₹20 (after subsidy)
- Total Subsidy per Acre
- ₹52,000 over four years
- Initial Yield
- 5-7 tonnes per acre from the fourth year
- Peak Yield
- 15 tonnes per acre by the seventh year
- Current Cultivation Area
- 2,393 acres in Rajanna Sircilla district
- Price per Tonne
- ₹19,700