ITANAGAR, Dec 20: The two-day training cum field visit and exposure programme organized by the Agriculture Department concluded successfully in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district, on Wednesday. Officers and officials received training on oil palm cultivation and its economic benefits for farmers.
Commissioner Agriculture, Bidol Tayeng, present at the event, encouraged farmers to embrace oil palm cultivation for sustainable agriculture. He highlighted the challenges associated with importing sprouts from other countries and growing them in local and secondary nurseries.
Oil palm cultivation is already underway in districts like Lohit, Namsai, Changlang, Tirap, and Longding. Tayeng announced plans to extend cultivation to Lower Dibang Valley, East Siang, Lower Siang, and Papumpare districts. He emphasized that the eastern zone districts constitute approximately 71% of the potential and targeted areas for cultivation in the state.
Addressing concerns, Tayeng clarified misconceptions about adverse impacts, stating, “I call this cultivation the ‘ATM’ for the farmers, as the fruits of oil palm bring regular income every fortnight.”
Accompanying the Commissioner during the program were Director of Agriculture, K Riram, Joint Director T D Nechom, ADO (Oil Palm) Idar Nyori, and other officials. The initiative aims to boost economic prospects for farmers in the region through sustainable agricultural practices.
