AN APPRAISAL OF GODREJ AGROVET LIMITED: A LEADING OIL PALM INDUSTRY IN MIZORAM
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Date
2018-07
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Publisher
AAU, Jorhat
Abstract
Palm oil is one of the most important vegetable oils in the world and
each year millions of tonnes of palm oil are traded globally to be consumed by millions
of people around the world. Indonesia is the largest oil palm producer contributing to
over 40 per cent of the world production (FAO). In India, Mizoram is among the 12
states, and the only state in the Northeast, identified for oil palm cultivation .Godrej Oil
Palm mill in the district of Kolasib was selected purposively. The study was undertaken
to see the organizational patterns of M/s Godrej Agrovet Ltd and also to have an insight
into the challenges and prospects confronted by the Company. Both primary and
secondary data were collected for this study. All secondary data were collected from the
reports of the Dept. of Agriculture, Govt. of Mizoram and from the related journals,
internet etc. First hand information was collected from the Company by paying personal
visit to the Oil Mill located in Kolasib district of Mizoram. Further, to add value to the
study, primary data were also collected from 50 beneficiary Palm growers selected
randomly with the help of a set of schedule and questionnaire through personal
interview and telephonic conversation. The collected information were analysed by
applying simple statistical tools like tabular methods, averages, and percentages. It was
found that the mill provides permanent employment to 37 people: 17 as station staff at
the factory and another 20 as field staff. Further, the Company employs 10 daily
labourers in the factory and 60 for the field work. Additionally, about 60 trucks are
employed to transport the oil palm fruits from the farm to the mill. The mill can process
five metric tonnes of oil palm fruits per hour. The MOU signed between the farmers,
Government and the Company governs the relationship/activities of different
stakeholders. After processing of oil palm, the Company sells Crude Palm Oil (CPO) to
Kolkata at the rate of Rs 40,000/ MT. Normally, 1 MT CPO can produce around 15 kg
of palm oil. The study has also revealed that the income level of the oil palm growers
has increased substantially with oil palm plantation. However, it was reported that the
supply of raw materials, i.e. Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) was not sufficient enough as
compared to the capacity utilization of the Oil Mill. As such, there is a need to increase
the production of FFB within the framework of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil
(RSPO). Minute observations on the state of affairs further suggest that the small
farmers may come forward to pool their land and other resources to grow oil palm in
order to reap higher benefits.