IIOPR Team Unearths Widespread Irregularities in Oil Palm Plantations
Article Today, Aswaraopeta:
A central inspection team from the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) has detected large-scale irregularities in oil palm plantations across Aswaraopeta and Mulakalapalli mandals. Over a three-day visit, the team braved continuous rain to conduct detailed field inspections. They examined nearly 3,000 oil palm plants and collected around 100 samples for further testing. Farmers now expect strict action against those responsible for the supply of substandard saplings.
Poor-Quality Saplings Discovered in the Field
Preliminary observations indicate that a significant number of the distributed saplings are genetically weak or defective. These plants were believed to have been produced locally and handed over to farmers without proper verification. According to scientists, such saplings have led to severe yield losses, damaging both livelihoods and confidence among oil palm cultivators.
Visual Contrast Between 2015 and 2016 Plantations
The inspection team reported stark differences between plantations established before and after 2016. At one site, a 2015 plantation raised by farmer Tumma Rambabu was found to be healthy and highly productive. However, an adjacent plot developed in 2016 by his relatives showed up to 30% genetically flawed plants. Dr. M.V. Prasad, senior scientist at IIOPR, confirmed that such contrasts were evident at multiple locations.
Nursery Practices Under the Scanner…
The Aswaraopeta oil palm nursery, which supplied many of the affected saplings post-2016, is now under serious scrutiny. Farmers allege that this nursery has long been the epicentre of malpractice. Many now hope that the current investigation will ensure that strict quality controls are implemented and that such lapses do not recur.
Past Offenders Back in Spotlight…
One official, previously accused of corruption in sapling distribution, had overseen many of the plantations now under question. Though found guilty in a departmental probe and ordered to repay Rs.40 lakh, he reportedly escaped consequences through political connections. Farmers now believe that the ongoing investigation may finally bring him to justice.
Agriculture Minister Closely Monitoring Developments…
Sources indicate that Minister for Agriculture Tummala Nageswara Rao is receiving regular updates on the inspection. He is said to be committed to taking action against any official—past or present—found guilty of negligence or wrongdoing. His active involvement has been welcomed by affected farmers.
Farmers Await Action After Years of Losses
The findings of the central team have renewed hope among farmers who have suffered years of crop failures. The outcome of the investigation, particularly laboratory confirmation of the defective saplings, will determine the next steps. For now, the pressure is mounting on authorities to act decisively against those who profited at the expense of farmers’ futures.
