We are delighted to present the 21st anniversary edition of TerraGreen to our readers. Over the past 21 years, TerraGreen has remained steadfast in sharing valuable insights on critical issues ranging from environment, to energy, wildlife conservation, climate change, and sustainable development. By promoting the concept of sustainability in everyday life, TerraGreen continues to expand and nurture its community of environmentally conscious readers which also helps in promoting an informed citizenry.

The cover story in the present edition explores the immense potential of India’s oil palm industry for sustainable growth through the adoption of green technologies and practices. Aligned with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision, which promotes self-sufficiency across key sectors—including food and edible oils—palm oil has emerged as a focal point in the national discourse. Recognizing the enormous potential of oil palm cultivation, the Government of India has intensified efforts to promote the sector, drawing inspiration from the successful models established in states such as AP and Telangana. However, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability requires well-crafted policies, strategic investments, and robust infrastructure—particularly for efficient biomass management. To fully harness the opportunities within this sector, it is crucial to strengthen the oil palm supply chain and advance research focused on creating innovative, value-added products. The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) exemplifies this strategic shift, aiming to boost domestic production through sustainable practices.

The Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) is poised to play a transformative role in this journey. Establishing a dedicated division within IIOPR for research, technology development, and strategic solutions for palm oil mill effluent (POME) and biomass utilization could significantly accelerate the overall progress. This will eventually enable the institute in broadening its mandate and enhancing its technical capabilities, critical for the success of this mission.

Proactive engagement, and visionary leadership in policy making circles—both at the central level and sub-national level is imperative to amplify the potential and address the challenges pertaining to oil palm biomass management. By converting these challenges into opportunities, India can promote sustainable livelihoods, jobs, enhance earning potential and build a resilient ecosystem. This would mark a significant step towards self-reliance in vegetable oil production that aligns with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’