Oil palm farmers receive machinery, first FFB buy-back

DIMAPUR — The Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with Godrej Agrovet Private Limited (GAVL), conducted the distribution of farm machinery for oil palm farmers and the first buy-back of fresh fruit bunches (FFBs) from oil palm farmers in Baghty Sub-Division, Wokha, on June 24 at the office of the SDAO Baghty.

The programme was flagged off by C Peter Yanthan, Additional Director of Agriculture, in the presence of Z Hukhato Sema, Joint Director of Agriculture (NMEO-Oil Palm), L Sunep Pongener, District Agriculture Officer, Wokha, Renathung Kikon, SDAO Baghty and field executive from GAVL, according to a press release.

Speaking to the farmers, Yanthan reiterated the commitment of the industry partner and the department to assure the buy-back of FFBs from older plantations as well. He stated that the department has made extra efforts to engage reliable partners, ensuring that buy-backs are now a consistent activity.

Interacting with the farmers, he also emphasised the importance of edible oil to the country’s economy and how Nagaland farmers can contribute to saving foreign exchange through the cultivation of oil palm.

Further, he pointed out and downplayed the negative campaign against oil palm cultivation, addressing concerns about environmental pollution and other effects.