Oil Palm Seed Garden
Considering the fact that there is a bright future for the development of oil palm in the country and consequent demand for hybrid seeds, the company has established a most modern oil palm seed germination centre at the Seed Garden at Thodupuzha. The production and sales of hybrid seeds have already been started.
This is the premier institution in India which is capable of producing high quality tenera seeds. Major chunk of the demand for the seeds in the country has either been met by import and in view of the commission of the project, the import of the seeds can be substantially brought down. Hence the project has got a pivotal role to play for the supply of seeds for the development of oil palm cultivation in the country. About 5.50 lakhs seeds are produced in the garden at present. The production of seeds can be increased to 15 lakhs within a span of 5 years.
Modern Processing Mill
The Company had established a modern Processing Mill to process 20 MT FFB/Hr. during the year 1998 with a total investment cost of Rs.19 Crores. This is the largest oil palm processing Mill in the Country. The Company is now able to produce high quality crude palm oil from the FFB produced in its estates and also procured from O.P.D.P. farmers.
A captive power station is also set up for the generation of electricity. The fibre of palm fruits is used as fuel for generation of steam to run the turbine generator.
Modern Rice Mill
As part of diversification, the company has set up a Modern Rice Mill in the year 2011 at Vechoor near Vaikom. The Mill has a capacity to process 12000MT paddy per annum. To achieve full capacity uttilisation and production, company had set up a storage Silo with a capacity of 5000MT.The paddy procured from the farmers are directly stored into the Silo after cleaning and reducing the moisture of the paddy to 12% to 13%. This stored paddy is taken for processing.
We are the manufactures of high quality sortex rice. The product is marketed under the brand name “Kuttanadu Rice’’. The products come in packages of 5Kg,10Kg,50Kg,and 75Kg. Two kinds of products are mainly available, Kuttanadu Matta Unda rice and Kuttanadu Matta Vadi rice.
The paddy collected directly from the local farmers are processed in a hygienic atmosphere. Our rice is 100% unadultered and pure without any preservatives. It is regarded for its rich taste, memorizing aroma and nutritional value.
Oil Palm Development Programme
Oil Palm India Ltd. is entrusted to promote oil palm cultivation amongst the small holders in the state. The Central and State Governments are extending subsidy for the cultivation. The programme is being successfully implemented in the State and nearing completion of the target of 1600 ha. including 84.63 ha. as Front Line Demonstration in Kariland of Kuttanad. 2665 small and marginal farmers are benefited by this scheme. Oil Palm India directly purchases the crop produced by them. The present price is Rs.4500/- per ton of FFB plus transportation charges. The present rate of subsidy given to farmers is Rs.23,000/- per ha. It is proposed to cultivate 2000 Ha. area under the scheme during the ensuing XI Five year plan and also to establish a palm oil mill in Northern Region.