Q1. What is the main reason for the environmental concerns related to palm oil production?
- Excessive pesticide use
- Deforestation and habitat destruction
- High energy consumption in production
- High water consumption
Correct Option: 2. Deforestation and habitat destruction.
Explanation: To expand oil palm plantations, tropical forests in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia are cleared. This leads to:
• Loss of biodiversity
• Destruction of habitats (e.g., for orangutans, tigers)
• Increased carbon emissions from burning peatlands
Hence, palm oil production is directly linked to climate change and ecological imbalance, especially when done unsustainably.
Q2. What is the role of India in global palm oil trade?
- Largest producer of palm oil
- Second largest exporter
- Largest importer of palm oil
- Least dependent on palm oil
Correct Option: 3. Largest importer of palm oil.
Explanation: India imports about 8–9 million tonnes of palm oil annually, making it the world’s largest importer. Most of this comes from:
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
India’s palm oil is used for:
• Cooking oil
• Packaged snacks
• Cosmetics and detergents
Due to this demand, India indirectly contributes to the environmental footprint of global palm oil production.
Q3. Which of the following is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in palm oil cultivation?
- Overuse of fertilizers
- Import transportation
- Deforestation and peatland drainage
- Use of irrigation systems
Correct Option: 3. Deforestation and peatland drainage.
Explanation: When peatlands are drained and forests are cleared (often by burning), massive amounts of carbon dioxide and methane are released. These activities account for:
• The majority of emissions in palm oil production
• Recurring Southeast Asian haze events
These emissions have long-term effects on global warming, regional air quality, and public health.
Q4. What is the RSPO and what does it aim to do?
- Royal Society of Palm Oil – Supports traditional palm oil uses
- Reserve Scheme for Palm Oil – Encourages subsidies for palm growers
- Renewable Source of Palm Oil – Promotes biodiesel production
- Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil – Promotes sustainable practices in palm oil industry
Correct Option: 4. Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil – Promotes sustainable practices in palm oil industry.
Explanation: The RSPO is a global initiative that includes:
• Palm oil producers
• Retailers
• NGOs and investors
Its purpose is to certify palm oil that is:
• Grown without harming forests
• Respectful of indigenous rights and labor laws
• Environmentally and socially responsible
It sets 8 core principles for sustainable palm oil and works to shift global markets toward ethical sourcing.
Q5. What is one key constraint in the domestic cultivation of oil palm in India?
- Lack of government subsidies
- High rainfall causing root rot
- Climatic conditions outside equatorial belt
- Excess land available for palm oil
Correct Option: 3. Climatic conditions outside equatorial belt.
Explanation: Oil palm thrives in hot, humid climates found within 8 degrees latitude of the equator. Most parts of India lie outside this zone, leading to:
• Lower yields
• High reliance on irrigation
• Longer gestation periods (4–5 years for trees to bear fruit)
This makes oil palm cultivation risky and expensive in India, despite government efforts like the National Edible Oil Mission – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).