Financial Irregularity Allegations Surface at Oil Palm Farmers’ Meeting in Roing
Farmers from 10 districts discussed delayed payments, inadequate collection infrastructure, plantation damage and financial transparency within the association.
ROING- ( By Maksam Tayeng )- The All Arunachal Pradesh Oil Palm Farmers Association held its second Central Executive Meeting at Roing in Lower Dibang Valley, bringing together farmers and representatives from 10 districts to discuss challenges facing oil palm growers and ways to strengthen the organisation.
Representatives from Pakke Kessang, Papum Pare, Kamle, East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Lower Siang, Tirap and Changlang participated in the meeting.
The most significant concerns raised by farmers centred on delayed payments, inadequate collection infrastructure and financial transparency. Participants discussed difficulties in transporting Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFBs) because of an insufficient number of collection centres, as well as delays in receiving payments from oil palm companies.
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Farmers also raised concerns over damage to plantations by wild animals and the potentially harmful effects of excessive or improper fertiliser use. The meeting further discussed the gestation period applicable to newly enrolled farmers and legal and regulatory issues associated with oil palm cultivation.
The association also deliberated on measures to mobilise funds, address farmers’ grievances, improve its organisational functioning and strengthen coordination among growers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies.
Financial accountability emerged as another major issue. Participants called for greater transparency in the management of association funds at both district and state levels, stressing that financial transactions should be handled responsibly and clearly to protect farmers’ interests.
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Association state president Hormin Camdir Teli raised allegations of financial irregularities involving some office-bearers. He alleged that certain executives had undertaken unauthorised transactions with their respective District Agriculture Officers, resulting in only a portion of 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 between farmers, the Agriculture Department and oil palm companies, along with transparent mechanisms for resolving grievances and ensuring that farmers receive timely assistance and payments.
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The discussions also highlighted the practical challenges facing oil palm cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the need for adequate collection infrastructure, reliable payment mechanisms and stronger institutional coordination.
The participating farmers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the association as a unified platform to represent the interests and concerns of oil palm growers across the state.
