Agri deptt to hold consultations soon
Advisor for agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, MLA, has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF) and other individuals and organizations regarding oil palm cultivation in the state.
In a press statement, Yanthan appreciated their commitment to safeguarding Nagaland’s ecological and social integrity. He said that their suggestions for fostering a transparent and informed dialogue on the long-term implications of oil palm cultivation were highly valued.
Advisor said that the state government through the department of agriculture had been promoting oil palm cultivation under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) recognising its potential for economic upliftment of farmers, improving rural livelihoods, and boosting the state’s agricultural economy. However, Yanthan said he “fully agree” that such initiatives must be pursued with sensitivity to the unique socio-environmental landscape of the state.
The advisor asserted that any developmental intervention must adhere to the principles of sustainability, inclusiveness, and ecological balance.
He recalled that agriculture department introduced oil palm cultivation in 2015-16 after a careful study of its economic, social, and environmental impacts, with a target of covering approximately 15,000 hectares in the jhum fallow areas of the state.
The advisor maintained that the department was in constant consultation with several globally renowned sustainable oil palm groups. While clarifications had been issued on various “myths and facts” surrounding oil palm cultivation, based on scientific findings from the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, the advisor said concerns persist regarding its complex environmental, social, and cultural implications.
“These concerns can neither be ignored nor oversimplified,” he said. Yanthan said that the raised concerns required a holistic, participatory, and evidence-based approach that considered the perspectives of farmers, environmental experts, civil society organizations, and local communities.
In this regard, the advisor said that he along with the department of agriculture fully endorsed the need for broad-based stakeholder consultations to ensure transparent public engagement and critical deliberations.
He pointed out that the process would address assessing the long-term environmental impacts of not only oil palm cultivation, but also other plantation and field crops, including biodiversity conservation and water security.
Yanthan also said through consultation the social and economic implications for local communities, including livelihoods and traditional practices can be evaluated.
He asserted the consultation process would explore viable and sustainable alternatives to ensure that agricultural policies were farmer-friendly while preserving Nagaland’s natural resources.
Further, the advisor assured all stakeholders that the state government was committed to making balanced and well-informed decisions that served the best interests of the people, the environment, and future generations.
Therefore, the advisor encouraged the experts, organisations, farmers, and all concerned parties to partner with the government in formulating a comprehensive road-map for sustainable agriculture in Nagaland.
He disclosed that the department of agriculture would soon initiate “a platform to facilitate this much-needed dialogue.” The advisor has welcomed the active participation of civil society organisations, farmers, researchers, and conservationists to ensure that agricultural policies promote economic opportunities while upholding ecological responsibility.
The advisor maintained that the state government remained steadfast in its resolve to pursue sustainable development that preserves Nagaland’s rich natural heritage while empowering the farmers, and uplifting rural communities.