Advisor, Agriculture, Government of Nagaland & Chairman DPDB, Wokha, Mhathung Yanthan launched the “Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive” under the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) 2026-27 at the office of the Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Baghty on September 17.
Addressing the gathering of local farmers and community leaders, Advisor Yanthan said the oil palm plantation drive could be another milestone opportunity for farmers to create sustainable livelihood and to establish long-term agricultural solution with large market-based enterprise that could transform the economic landscape of the region.
He said while it targets to make India self-reliant in edible oil and reduce dependency on imports from other countries by boosting domestic production, it would also help empower farmers by raising their income through engaged participation.
When the state government entered into partnership with highly trustworthy, reputable, and legitimate implementing agencies for oil palm Mission, foundational role of the farming community was considered paramount, he said.
Therefore, while the choice of farming depends on an individual farmer, he encouraged those already engaged in other cash crops such as coffee and rubber farming, to do profit yielding research and take up oil palm as additional crop which may offset other crops in an event of crop failure or environmental stress, and provide a second revenue source.
Assuring that once a Processing Mill is set up in Nagaland by the partnership Implementing agency Godrej Agrovet, harvested oil Palm fruits would be collected for Processing within the state itself to ensure stable financial return, safe rate regulation and a guaranteed market place.
For that he further said, consultation with Chief Minister of Nagaland, Niephiu Rio is under process to earmark 30 Acres of land.
Terming the national scale oil Palm Mission as a Mega step with a bright perspective, he said the farming community have good reasons to feel motivated.
He further encouraged them to avail the free quality planting materials, maintenance assistance facilities during the first 3-4 years of crops gestation period, financial assistance for growing intercrops before oil palm fruiting, and tools and equipments.
Advisor Yanthan also recalled how he was personally involved during the initial years when Rubber cultivation was introduced as alternative cash crop in Wokha district in general and Baghty in particular, to shift local farmers from traditional jhum shifting cultivation to sustainable settled farming.
He said he was happy to see Wokha growing on to one of Nagaland’s leading rubbers producing districts engaging thousands of households across several villages.
He lauded the rubber growers stating that diligence and hard work have paid off well and that many lives have been visibly changed for better over the course of thirty years.
Advisor Yanthan also expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio for his support in creating 2 additional Sub Divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO) offices for Wokha district under Agricultural Department.
He said out of the two offices one would be located at Sanis and the other at Ralan to assist, guide and support the farming communities and for smooth and effective functioning of the department.
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Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, Ronchamo Kikon, in a keynote address highlighted that Nagaland has a long term state target of around 15000 hectares, focused in the fertile foothill regions and cultivable wastelands under rain fed conditions to avoid disrupting Primary Forest areas.
He also cautioned the farming community not to fall prey to the negative campaign, which are mostly made without proper scientific evidence and experimental knowledge.
Senior Officer, Godrej Agrovet (GAVL) Nagaland, Dr Benjongtoshi Imchen, while giving a Power Point presentation on the topic, “Scope and Marketing, Potential of Oil Palm Cultivation” also highlighted on an overview on key details of the drive, Goals and support through partnership, Scale of farming, Boosting production and growth, Implementation and further exploration, Financial incentives and subsidies, Reduction of Palm Oil imports, and Farmers empowerment, etc.
Manager GAVL, Nagaland, Muthuselvan, Agriculture Officer, Baghty, Chumyani Ovung, Agriculture Officer, Baghty L Subenthung Humtsoe, Nyanbeni Erui, Woman pastor, BTBC, President Lotha Middle Range Public organization, John Murry, and Pukhutu Chopy Head GB. Mithihe Village Northern Sumi Area, also spoke in the programme.
Later in the programme Advisor, Yanthan also paid a “Farmers-Centred Tribute” on the 76th Birthday of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, by planting a Sapling of Oil Palm at the premises of the SDAO office, Baghty.
Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer, (SDAO) Baghty, Longshithung Odyuo, chaired the Launching programme.
