The crop that is raising farm incomes — and eyebrows in Telangana
Once a fringe experiment, oil palm cultivation has rapidly taken root across Telangana, reshaping rural economy and farmer aspirations. Backed by subsidies, buyback guarantees and political push, the crop promises steady returns and sustainability. But beneath the optimism, there are concerns over volatile prices, labour shortages, water stress and ecological fallout. As the State races to expand acreage, experts and farmers have one question — can this boom withstand market shocks and environmental strain? P. Laxma Reddy and P. Sridhar report
Once a fringe experiment, oil palm cultivation has rapidly taken root across Telangana, reshaping rural economy and farmer aspirations. Backed by subsidies, buyback guarantees and political push, the crop promises steady returns and sustainability. But beneath the optimism, there are concerns over volatile prices, labour shortages, water stress and ecological fallout. As the State races to expand acreage, experts and farmers have one question — can this boom withstand market shocks and environmental strain? P. Laxma Reddy and P. Sridhar report
