Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil derived from the reddish pulp of the fruit of the oil palms,

Special features of Oil Palm

1. It is a perennial crop that starts yielding from the 4th year onwards.
2. Productivity  is more compare to other oil seeds. Under good conditions it can yield 4-6 MTs of oil / ha /annum.
3. Cost of cultivation is less compare to other oil cultivation
4. Return  is high compare to other plantation crops.
5. It can grow well in almost all types of soil and in varying climatic condition.
6. The palm leaf can be used as fodder,for organic fertilizers, fire wood etc.
7. Palm oil is rich in vitamin A and  E.
8. Ability to withstand even in adverse  condition.

Soil and climate:

The Oil Palm grows best in areas with a  maximum temperature of 30-32 0C and on an average of at least five hours of sunlight/day. 

Avoid highly alkaline, highly saline, waterlogged and sandy soils.

Cultivated variety: Tenera.

Planting:

Best season for planting is June-July  

Flowering:

Oil Palm flowers with in  14-18 months after planting.

 It produces both male and female flowers separately on the same palm. 

Ablation:

Ablation is the removal of male and female flowers produced in the early stages of plantation. This enables the palm to gain adequate stem girth, vigour and develop adequate root system.

Start ablation immediately after the appearance of inflorescences on the palms. 

They can be easily removed by hand  or using tool. Ablation can be extended up to 2-1/2 to 3 years depending upon the plant growth.

Pollination:

Oil Palm is highly cross pollinated crop. 

Wind and insects assist pollination , but wind pollination is not adequate so assisted pollination is done to ensure fertilization of all female flowers. 

Mulching:

Mulching of Oil Palm basin is essential to conserve moiture and to control weeds.

 it can be done with dried leaves, male flowers, coconut husk, empty bunches etc.

Harvesting:

First harvest can be taken 3.5 to 4 years after planting.

 When  a few ripe fruits are loose/ fall off, the bunch is ready for harvesting. 

Processing over- ripe fruits reduces quantity and quality of oil.

Harvesting should be done 10-12 days interval.

 During rainy season, harvesting should be done at closer interval of 6-7 days 

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