DIMAPUR — Following
backlash from conservationists and other stakeholders over what they called the
government’s “uncritical promotion” of oil palm cultivation in the state, the
Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, has ‘fully endorsed’ the call for
broad-based stakeholder consultations to chart a roadmap for sustainable
agriculture in the state.
“As the MLA and Advisor for Agriculture, I deeply appreciate
their (stakeholders’) commitment to safeguarding Nagaland’s ecological and
social integrity. Their suggestions for fostering a transparent and informed
dialogue on the long-term implications of oil palm cultivation are highly
valued,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Mhathung explained that Nagaland government, through the department
of Agriculture, has been pro
moting oil palm cultivation under the National
Mission on Edible Oils–Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), recognising its potential for
improving rural livelihoods and boosting the state’s agricultural economy.
“However, I fully agree that such initiatives must be
pursued with sensitivity to the unique socio-environmental landscape of our
state. Any developmental intervention must adhere to the principles of
sustainability, inclusiveness, and ecological balance,” he stated.
According to him, the 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.
He went on to state that the department is in constant
consultation with “several globally renowned sustainable oil palm groups.”
“While clarifications have been issued on various ‘myths and
facts’ surrounding oil palm cultivation, based on scientific findings from the
ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, concerns persist regarding its
complex environmental, social, and cultural implications.
“These concerns can neither be ignored nor oversimplified.
They require a holistic, participatory, and evidence-based approach that
considers the perspectives of farmers, environmental experts, civil society
organisations, and local communities. In this regard, I, along with the
department of Agriculture, fully endorse the need for broad-based stakeholder
consultations to ensure transparent public engagement and critical
deliberations,” he said.
Mhathung further explained that the consultation process
will assess the long-term environmental impacts of not only oil palm
cultivation but also other plantation and field crops, including biodiversity
conservation and water security; evaluate the social and economic implications
for local communities, including livelihoods and traditional practices; and
explore viable and sustainable alternatives to ensure that agricultural
policies are farmer-friendly while preserving Nagaland’s natural resources.
“I encourage experts, organisations, farmers, and all
concerned parties to partner with us in formulating a comprehensive roadmap for
sustainable agriculture in Nagaland. The department of Agriculture will soon
initiate a platform to facilitate this much-needed dialogue.
“We welcome the active participation of civil society
organisations, farmers, researchers, and conservationists to ensure that our
agricultural policies promote economic opportunities while upholding ecological
responsibility,” the statement read.
