Godrej Agrovet sets up leaf, soil lab for oil palm

Hyderabad, Sept 9
New Courtesy: Businessline

Godrej Agrovet Ltd, part of the diversified Godrej group, today announced the launch of Leaf and Soil Laboratory near Vijayawada, which focuses on helping farmers in improving productivity in oil palm plantations.

More on cards

“With over 70 per cent of the country's oil palm cultivation centred in Andhra Pradesh, we have decided to locate the first such facility at Vijayawada. Based on the requirement in other States such as Mizoram where oil palm cultivation is centred, we may consider more such centres,” Mr R.R. Govindan, Vice-President, Plant Group Vertical, Godrej Agrovet, said.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Govindan said oil palm cultivation is taken up in much tougher conditions in India compared with South–East Asian countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia that get rain for over six months in a year.

Therefore, cultivation of oil palm in the country is lot more challenging, requiring expert guidance and assistance.

“The lab set up in Andhra Pradesh will provide latest knowhow, offer soil testing services and advise on how to limit the usage of fertilisers and nutrients. Typically, about 40-50 per cent of the total cost of the plantation goes to fertilisers. The lab helps identify the shortage of specific element of the 17-odd required for the crop. This will enable farmers to add specific ingredient to address,” Dr V. Madhava Reddy, Chief Agronomist, Godrej Oil Palm Ltd, said.

The Godrej Agrovet sees its oil palm business crossing Rs 100 crore this year.

Special thrust

Mr Govindan said that the company is laying special thrust on tissue culture and it is proposed to cover several crops in the next two-three years. Referring to edible oil imports, Mr Govindan said “as an industry representative, we have suggested imposition of 30 per cent duty. “While this increases prices, the duty could be ploughed back to assist development of plantations within the country.”