The Nagaland Community Conserved Areas Forum (NCCAF), the apex civil society body for community-conserved areas in the state, has expressed its deep concern over the promotion of oil palm cultivation by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland. The department recently displayed a poster titled “Myths and Facts About Oil Palm Cultivation” at the 25th Hornbill Festival, which emphasized the perceived benefits of oil palm cultivation, including claims about environmental sustainability and economic viability.
In response, NCCAF has raised alarms about the potential socio-environmental risks of large-scale oil palm plantations in Nagaland. The forum believes that the department’s promotion oversimplifies the issue, omitting critical considerations about the complex environmental and social impacts of the crop. The NCCAF stressed the need for urgent scrutiny and transparent public engagement before proceeding with large-scale initiatives.
“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,” the NCCAF stated. With Nagaland’s unparalleled biodiversity, the forum warns that the state’s vital ecosystems could be at risk unless proper environmental impact assessments are conducted.
While claims have been made that oil palm requires less water than crops like rice or sugarcane, NCCAF contends that oil palm is still 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,” the forum cautioned.
“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 stated. The forum advocates for more diverse, regenerative farming practices to maintain ecological balance.
“Experiences from other regions show that oil palm plantations often lead to economic dependency on volatile global markets, marginalizing smallholder farmers,” NCCAF observed. The forum calls for transparent mechanisms to ensure that any agricultural initiative, including oil palm, benefits local communities in an equitable and sustainable manner.
NCCAF raised concerns about the risk of chemical runoff from oil palm plantations into local ecosystems, posing significant threats to Nagaland’s environment. While the claim that oil palm requires fewer chemicals may hold in controlled settings, the forum advocates for prioritizing organic and eco-friendly farming methods.
NCCAF’s commitment to sustainable development
The NCCAF reiterated its commitment to sustainable development that preserves Nagaland’s ecological integrity and cultural heritage. “We believe economic growth must complement the conservation of our forests, water sources, and biodiversity,” the forum affirmed.
NCCAF urged the government to halt large-scale oil palm promotion until comprehensive environmental, social, and economic impact assessments are conducted.
The forum also advocated for greater local community engagement in agricultural policy discussions to ensure inclusive and participatory decision-making.
NCCAF called for the promotion of agroforestry, permaculture, and other sustainable farming practices that strike a balance between ecological conservation and livelihood generation.
The forum urged the government to share detailed assessments and future plans for oil palm cultivation with the public to build trust and foster accountability.
NCCAF called upon all stakeholders—government departments, community leaders, researchers, and civil society organizations—to engage in 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,” NCCAF added, stressing the importance of working collectively to ensure that Nagaland’s development trajectory respects its rich biodiversity and empowers its communities sustainably.