The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), as the apex civil society body for community-conserved areas in Nagaland, has expressed its deep concern over the uncritical promotion of oil palm cultivation by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland. During the recently concluded 25th Hornbill Festival, the Forum mentioned, the department displayed a poster titled “Myths and Facts About Oil Palm Cultivation”, which emphasized the perceived benefits of oil palm cultivation, including claims about environmental sustainability and economic viability.
“While the poster presents a favorable narrative, NCCAF believes it oversimplifies the complex socio-environmental impacts of oil palm cultivation. Such promotion, without addressing the potential ecological and social risks, warrants urgent scrutiny and transparent public engagement,” asserted the Forum.
In this regard, it outlined key concerns on the impact of oil palm:
1 . Biodiversity and Land Use
The assertion that oil palm will only utilize jhum fallow lands and wastelands overlooks global evidence where oil palm expansion has led to unintended deforestation and significant habitat loss. Nagaland, with its unparalleled biodiversity, risks losing vital ecosystems unless robust environmental impact assessments are mandated.
- Water Usage
While it is claimed that oil palm requires less water than crops like rice or sugarcane, oil palm remains a water-intensive crop compared to traditional farming practices in Nagaland. Given the state’s unique hydrological conditions, large-scale oil palm plantations could exacerbate water scarcity, particularly during dry seasons.
- Monoculture Practices and Soil Health
Despite references to intercropping as a mitigating strategy, large-scale oil palm plantations inherently favor monoculture. This practice depletes soil nutrients, disrupts ecological balance, and undermines the long-term sustainability of agricultural systems. NCCAF advocates for diverse, regenerative farming practices instead.
- Community and Livelihood Impacts
Experiences from other regions show that oil palm plantations often lead to economic dependency on volatile global markets, marginalizing smallholder farmers. Transparent mechanisms must ensure that any agricultural initiative, including oil palm, benefits local communities equitably and sustainably.
- Chemical Use and Environmental Degradation
The claim that oil palm requires fewer chemicals may hold merit in controlled settings, the risk of chemical runoff into local ecosystems remains high. This poses serious threats to Nagaland’s sensitive environment. Organic and eco-friendly farming methods should be prioritized.
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Affirming its commitment to sustainable development that safeguards Nagaland’s ecological integrity and cultural heritage, the Forum stated, “We believe economic growth must complement the conservation of our forests, water sources, and biodiversity.”
It further put forward recommendations to the Government:
1 . Adopt a Precautionary Approach
Halt large-scale oil palm promotion until comprehensive environmental, social, and economic impact assessments are conducted.
- Ensure Community Participation
Engage local communities in all agricultural policy discussions to ensure inclusive and participatory decision-making.
- Promote Sustainable Alternatives
Advocate for agroforestry, permaculture, and other sustainable farming practices that offer a balance ecological conservation and livelihood generation.
- Enhance Transparency
Share detailed assessments and future plans for oil palm cultivation with the public to build trust and foster accountability.
Call for Public Dialogue
The NCCAF has also called upon all stakeholders—government departments, community leaders, researchers, and civil society organizations—to engage in a transparent and informed dialogue on the long-term implications of oil palm cultivation in Nagaland. “Together, we can explore agricultural strategies that harmonize economic aspirations with ecological conservation. Let us work collectively to ensure that Nagaland’s development trajectory respects its rich biodiversity and empowers its communities sustainably,” stated the Forum.
