Agriculture Minister Gabriel D. Wangsu, in a recent capacity-building program on sustainable palm oil production in Arunachal Pradesh, called for state-specific research and a responsible cultivation policy. This highlights the need for a balanced approach that does not undermine environmental concerns while accounting for economic viability and social equity.
Wangsu’s emphasis on careful and responsible development reflects a growing recognition that, while sustainable palm oil can contribute to Arunachal Pradesh’s agricultural and economic progress, it must be implemented with due regard to its broader implications for environmental concerns, given that the region is a biodiversity hotspot.
As the state embarks on an extensive palm oil mission, it needs to address the multitude of issues related to environmental impacts. Despite the economic benefits, there must be a comprehensive strategy to ensure ecological sustainability.