Prospects of Oil Palm Plantation in Mizoram, India

Abstract

Traditional agriculture, dominated by shifting cultivation, is the main occupation of rural people of Mizoram. Output from which is very insufficient. Thus, a number of people suffer from poverty and malnutrition. However, climate and landscape support oil palm plantation. This study examines prospects of oil palm plantation in Mizoram. We gathered data from primary sources through case study of eight villages. Out of total households, we surveyed 173 households (12.4%). We used a structured questionnaire and interviewed head of the households. The study shows that income from oil palm plantation is comparatively higher (about 50%) than the income from cereal farming. It also shows that the marginal farmers see the future prospects of oil palm plantation sustainable, if all measures related to its plantation are appropriately taken place