Roing: Oil palm farmers from 10 districts of Arunachal Pradesh raised concerns over delayed payments, inadequate collection centres, crop damage by wild animals and other issues affecting growers at the second Central Executive Meeting of the All Arunachal Pradesh Oil Palm Farmers Association in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district, on Saturday.
Representatives from Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Lower Siang, Tirap and Changlang attended the meeting.
The discussions covered farmers’ grievances, organisational functioning, mobilisation of funds and 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 raised concerns about transportation difficulties due to the inadequate number of collection centres, damage to plantations by wild animals, the possible harmful effects of excessive or improper fertiliser use and delays in payments for Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs).
Participants also called for greater accountability and transparency in the association’s financial management at the district and state levels. They sought responsible handling of funds and greater clarity in financial transactions to protect farmers’ interests.
Association state president Hormin Camdir Teli alleged financial irregularities involving some office-bearers. He alleged that certain executives had engaged in unauthorised transactions with their respective District Agriculture Officers, resulting in only a portion of the intended funds reaching farmers.
The allegations could not be independently verified, and responses from the persons concerned were not immediately available.
The meeting called for stronger coordination among farmers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies.
Participants also sought transparent mechanisms for resolving grievances and ensuring timely assistance and payments to farmers.
The farmers said they would work to improve the association and address the concerns of oil palm growers across Arunachal Pradesh.