HT Correspondent
PASIGHAT, Oct 6: The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt General KT Parnaik, (Retd), visited a 4-hectare oil palm farm of progressive farmer Miti Megu Perme in Bosi Didum Village near Pasighat, as part of the State Government’s initiative to promote oil palm cultivation across Arunachal Pradesh.
During his visit, the Governor interacted with Perme, other local farmers, and departmental officials to gain first-hand insights into the farm’s operations and progress.
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He emphasised that oil palm cultivation is not merely an agricultural activity but a vision for economic growth, farmer empowerment, and national self-reliance, or Aatma Nirbhar.
He noted that despite India being one of the largest consumers of edible oil, it remains heavily dependent on imports.
Promoting oil palm, he said, is a strategic step to reduce import dependency, strengthen the rural economy, and ensure price stability for consumers.
The Governor highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s potential, citing its fertile soil, favorable climate, and abundant rainfall as ideal conditions for oil palm plantations.
He said that for farmers, the crop offers a steady income, long-term security, and better returns compared to most other oilseeds, while also creating opportunities for agro-based industries.
He commended the State Government for prioritizing oil palm cultivation as a policy that enhances farmer livelihoods, generates employment, attracts investment, improves rural infrastructure, and builds stronger market linkages, while supporting the national goal of self-reliance.
Sharing progress, the Governor informed that Arunachal Pradesh produced over 5.19 lakh metric tons of food grains, nearly 15,000 metric tons of pulses, and more than 39,000 metric tons of oilseeds last year.
He said that fifteen soil testing laboratories have been established and over 1.3 lakh soil health cards issued.
Oil palm cultivation has expanded by 4,690 hectares, benefiting nearly 2,000 farmers under the Per Drop More Crop scheme.
Looking ahead, the State has set an ambitious target of bringing 35,723 hectares under oil palm cultivation by 2025–26.
The establishment of the country’s first crude palm oil mill at Roing and the new factory at the Industrial Growth Centre, Niglok, is boosting farmer confidence and ensuring sufficient processing capacity for the future.
Perme shared that her farm, established in 2017 and harvesting since 2021, yields 2 to 3 tonnes of palm oil per harvest, with harvesting done three to four times a month.
She highlighted that the new palm oil factory at Niglok has steadily increased local demand, providing a strong market for farmers.
Deputy Commissioner of East Siang, Sonalika Jiwani, noted that oil palm cultivation is proving highly remunerative and has significant potential to boost the local economy by providing sustainable income opportunities for farmers in the region.
The Governor’s visit was also attended by Advisor to Hydro Power Minister cum MLA Ninong Ering, local MLA Er Tapi Darang, Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, and District Agriculture Officer Opang Moyong.
The Governor’s visit reinforced the strategic, economic, and social importance of oil palm cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting its role in rural development, farmer empowerment, and national self-reliance.
