ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) founded the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (ICAR-IIOPR) in 1995 at Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh, to advance research in oil palm cultivation under irrigated conditions. Spanning 93 hectares, the institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories, administrative offices, and a well-developed research farm for conducting field trials.
Location and Climate
- Coordinates: 81.11° E longitude, 16.80° N latitude, at 85 meters above sea level.
- Climate: Humid tropical. Summers (March–June) are hot and humid, while winters (November–February) are cooler.
- Temperature: The average minimum temperature ranges from 24–27°C, while the maximum reaches 34–36°C. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C during the day.
- Rainfall: The monsoon season occurs between July and October, with an annual average rainfall of 1026 mm.
- Soil Type: Predominantly alluvial.
Historical Context Pedavegi, the village where ICAR-IIOPR is located, holds historical significance as the capital of the Eastern Chalukyas (Chalukyas of Vengi) dynasty, which ruled parts of South India from the 7th to 12th centuries. The land, covering 100 hectares, was transferred by the Government of Andhra Pradesh on a long-term lease. This area was formerly used by the British as an airstrip during World War II. The institute has since developed part of the strip for field experiments using bulldozers.
Oil Palm Research in India The journey of oil palm research in India began in 1960 with a research station established in Thodupuzha, Kerala, by the state’s Department of Agriculture. In 1975, ICAR initiated oil palm research at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Research Centre in Palode. During the VII Five-Year Plan, oil palm was included in the All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms. Subsequently, during the VIII Five-Year Plan, ICAR set up the National Research Centre for Oil Palm (NRCOP) at Pedavegi. In 1999, the CPCRI Research Centre at Palode was merged with NRCOP, and in the XI Plan, NRCOP was elevated to the Directorate of Oil Palm Research (DOPR). Finally, during the XII Plan, it was further upgraded to ICAR-IIOPR.
