B. Neeraja Prabhakar, Vice-Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University, has taken on the position of Chairperson for the Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (IIOPR) located in Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh. Effective from June 13, Ms. Prabhakar will lead a ten-member committee for a three-year term, utilizing her extensive experience and expertise to contribute to the growth and development of the oil palm industry in India.
With her diverse background and profound knowledge of the horticulture sector, Ms. Prabhakar is well-suited for her new role as Chairperson of the RAC for IIOPR. Additionally, she has previously served as a member of the Telangana Oil Palm Advisory Committee, where she provided valuable insights and recommendations for the cultivation and promotion of oil palm in the state.
The Research Advisory Committee (RAC) plays a crucial role in guiding and advising the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research on research and development initiatives. As the only dedicated institute in India for oil palm research, IIOPR aims to develop cutting-edge technologies applicable to all oil palm-growing states. Under the leadership of Ms. Prabhakar, the RAC will provide strategic direction, review research proposals, evaluate ongoing projects, and offer valuable insights to ensure that the institute’s research activities are aligned with the needs of the industry.
Oil palm cultivation in India has gained significant importance in recent years due to its economic and nutritional value. Andhra Pradesh, being the top producer of oil palm in the country, holds a prominent position in this industry. With Ms. Prabhakar’s involvement in the Telangana Oil Palm Advisory Committee, her appointment as the Chairperson of the RAC brings added expertise and understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the region. The state aims to expand oil palm cultivation to 20 lakh acres in the near future, with a target of reaching at least 10 lakh acres over the next four years.
As Ms. Prabhakar assumes the leadership of the Research Advisory Committee, her knowledge and guidance are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement and progress of the oil palm industry, benefiting farmers, the economy, and the overall agricultural landscape in India. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, led by Director General Himanshu Pathak, acknowledges the importance of this appointment and the role of research in driving the growth and sustainability of the oil palm sector.