ROING, AUG 22:
The All Arunachal Pradesh Oil Palm Farmers Association held its second Central Executive Meeting at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley district on Saturday, bringing together farmers and representatives from 10 districts to discuss challenges facing oil palm growers and measures to strengthen the association.
Representatives from Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Lower Siang, Tirap and Changlang participated in the meeting.
The deliberations focused on mobilising funds for the association, addressing farmers’ grievances, strengthening organisational functioning and resolving issues involving growers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies. Members also sought clarity on the gestation period applicable to newly enrolled farmers and discussed legal and regulatory matters related to oil palm cultivation.
Farmers highlighted transportation difficulties arising from inadequate collection centres, damage to plantations by wild animals, concerns over excessive or improper use of fertilisers and delays in payments for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs).
The participants also stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the association’s financial management at both district and State levels, calling for responsible handling of funds and clarity in financial transactions.
Association State President Hormin Camdir Teli alleged financial irregularities involving some office-bearers, claiming that certain executives had engaged in unauthorised transactions with respective District Agriculture Officers, resulting in only a portion of intended funds reaching farmers. The allegations could not be independently verified, and responses from those concerned were not immediately available.
The meeting called for stronger coordination among farmers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies, along with transparent mechanisms for grievance redressal and timely assistance and payments to growers.
The participating farmers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the association as a united platform to represent the interests and concerns of oil palm growers across Arunachal Pradesh.
