Gangtok, Oct 19: The Indian government has unveiled plans to establish palm oil plantations in the northeastern states that would collectively cover an area larger than the entire state of Sikkim. This move is part of the National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO-OP) launched in the 2021-22 fiscal year.
The objective of this mission is to enhance edible oil production through area expansion and crude palm oil (CPO) production, ultimately reducing the country’s dependence on edible oil imports.
While the NMEO-OP is being implemented in 15 states across India, the plan for palm oil cultivation has sparked concerns in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. The plantation area recommended for oil palm cultivation in these states exceeds 840,000 hectares, a land area greater than the entire state of Sikkim.
The expansion of palm oil plantations is a contentious issue due to its environmental impact, which has been seen in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia. In those regions, vast mono-crop oil palm plantations have led to deforestation and significant losses of biodiversity. In India, concerns are raised about the potential consequences for both the environment and local communities.
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Palm oil cultivation is known to be water-intensive, which can have adverse effects on ecosystems. The deforestation caused by these plantations can displace natural habitats and lead to conflicts between humans and wildlife. Furthermore, palm oil plantations have a reputation for reducing soil health and turning land into biological deserts.
In response to the government’s plan, Meghalaya, another northeastern state, has already expressed its decision to avoid raising palm oil plantations, citing the adverse effects on biodiversity and opposition from local farmers. This reflects a growing concern about the environmental and social implications of palm oil cultivation.
The Indian government’s push for palm oil cultivation is aligned with its goal of promoting oil palm purely on agricultural lands rather than clearing forested areas. However, it remains a contentious issue, with some stakeholders emphasizing the need to protect biodiversity-rich forested sites.
While the government believes that palm oil cultivation can help mitigate the greenhouse effect and has been used for human consumption for thousands of years, critics remain sceptical about the consequences of large-scale palm oil plantations, especially in ecologically sensitive regions.
In the proposed model, palm oil cultivation in India would primarily be carried out by smallholder farmers, with the government regulating the industry. The responsibility for cultivation lies with the farmer, with support from the companies involved in the project, and incentives are offered to promote the transition to palm oil farming.
The debate surrounding palm oil cultivation in India highlights the complex dynamics between economic development, agriculture, and environmental conservation. It remains to be seen how these plans will affect the northeastern states and their unique ecosystems.
