Is sustainable Palm Oil tree plantation possible in Assam? Green Politics and Policies- Arun Dhital
Palm oil tree cultivation in Assam started a fresh debate on the environment and Global warming. Palm oil cultivation is known for its aesthetic beauty. It can also be a subject of concern for environmentalists in certain contexts, particularly when it comes to issues such as deforestation for palm oil plantations, habitat destruction, and the potential impacts on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
In August 2021, the Government of India launched the National Mission for Edible Oils- Oil Palm. The Government of Assam also joined hands in this mission in August 2023, promoting the cultivation of Palm oil in Assam. According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, this mission will revolutionize the agroeconomy of Assam.
However, our prime focus should be on the environment and the threats it poses. In fact, we cannot deny the need for revolutions in the agro-economy. So, I will simply try to seek the answers about the Palm Oil Tree Plantation Politics and debates around it. And also try to find out how these debates have significance and how green politics promotes its propaganda so on and so forth.
Let’s answer the debates around it and then move to how we can cultivate sustainable palm oil. Before that, we will have to see the arguments of Green Warriors.
Palm oil supplements Deforestation and Habitat Destruction:
For general readers, deforestation and habitat destruction are related to clearing forests to plant palm oil trees. In the context of Assam or India as a whole, we do not need to clear forests to cultivate palm oil trees because India has an abundance of non-forest land available. Habitat destruction is another threat posed by this kind of cultivation which is 100% valid. If we plant trees in an open field it will cause harm to some natural habitats of animals and other organisms living in that area. But that can be affected by any kind of cultivation because any crop you do will remain for a minimum of three months and that has an effect on the natural habitat.
On the contrary, if we convert abandoned agricultural fields into palm oil plantations then they can be considered a form of “secondary forest” or regenerating habitat. Over time, these areas may support some level of biodiversity as vegetation regrows and provides habitat for various species.
Biodiversity is lost by palm oil tree cultivation:
This argument of biodiversity loss is also a shallow presentation. If the government controls the plantation and does geo-mapping of the lands reserved or available for palm oil tree cultivation then it is possible to evade biodiversity loss. I will answer this in detail on how practices like agroforestry, and wildlife corridors, can help fight this issue.
I am pressing on this issue because it has the potential to revolutionize the agro-economy. We will also discuss that in a more economic way but the complexity of the issue might not leave room for this discussion here. so it will focus on the said issues only.
Climate Change:
Four potential threats from Palm oil tree cultivation are-
Methane Emissions: The palm oil production process, including the decomposition of palm oil mill effluent (POME), can lead to methane emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, with a much higher global warming potential than CO2 over the short term.
Transport and Processing: The transportation of palm oil products over long distances and the energy-intensive processing of palm oil also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if fossil fuels are used.
Indirect Land Use Change: The expansion of palm oil cultivation can indirectly drive deforestation and land-use change in other regions, further increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Feedback Loops: Climate change can have feedback loops that impact palm oil cultivation. For example, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns can affect palm oil yields and increase the vulnerability of palm oil plantations to pests and diseases, potentially leading to increased use of agrochemicals.
Solutions that can decrease the threat of Climate change:
- Promoting sustainable palm oil production practices, including zero-deforestation commitments and sustainable land use.
- Restoring degraded land and peatlands to sequester carbon and reduce emissions.
- Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources in processing mills and transportation.
- Advocating for the preservation of high-carbon-value forests and peatlands.
- Supporting reforestation and afforestation efforts to offset carbon emissions.
It soaks the water from the earth:
Palm oil cultivation is known for its relatively high water requirements. It is considered a water-intensive crop, as the palm trees require consistent moisture throughout the year. Assam, with its extensive river systems, is estimated to contribute approximately 9–10% of India’s total water resources. The state of Assam in India has an abundant water resource, thanks to its numerous rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Barak, and their tributaries. So, it is perfect for Palm Oil Cultivation. However, it is necessary to address this problem.
Ways to tackle this issue of water:
Efficient irrigation: Encourage the use of efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip irrigation, which can significantly reduce water wastage compared to traditional methods like flooding.
Rainwater harvesting: Promote rainwater harvesting systems in palm oil plantations to reduce reliance on groundwater and surface water sources.
Riparian Buffers: Establish riparian buffers along rivers and streams within and around palm oil plantations. These buffer zones can help protect water quality and reduce the impact of palm oil cultivation on water bodies.
Possibility of Sustainable Palm Oil Tree Plantation: Green Politics
If you ask this question of the possibility of sustainable plantation to any learned environmentalist without any political interest then the answer will be yes. But politics and propaganda are always at work. So cultivation of palm oil is always linked to deforestation even if there is no deforestation.
Green Politics:
Green politics, often referred to as environmental politics or ecopolitics, is a political ideology and movement that places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, social justice, and ecological responsibility. It seeks to address environmental issues and promote policies and practices that prioritize the protection of the natural world and the well-being of both current and future generations.
Till here Green Politics seems the best thing happened on earth. But if you look at their economic policies then you will understand shallow politics or agenda-centric politics that is completely against capitalism. From this point of view, you can call them the modern communists.
Promoting Local and Community-Based Economics, Green Warriors went on to protest against any development that requires a heavy investment like a Nuclear Power Plant even though it is relatively more sustainable than other power generation technologies. Because it requires a lump sum investment which can only be done by a government or a capitalist.
Green warriors are against the use of fossil fuels. If they are against fossil fuels then you might be thinking that they would allow sustainable developmental projects. If you think like this you are wrong.
Some argue that green policies could slow down economic growth, particularly in industries heavily dependent on fossil fuels. They believe that transitioning away from these industries too rapidly could lead to job losses and economic downturns.
Some fear that phasing out fossil fuels too soon may result in energy shortages and grid instability. For a developing country like India, it is difficult to switch to alternatives overnight is impossible and it can ruin the economy.
Green Politics in Palm Oil Tree Cultivation:
It is evident from the Southeast Asian palm tree experiments that sustainable palm tree cultivation is possible. Despite that Green Politics is pushing forward this issue. Cultivating palm oil without destroying forests or peatlands has a meager effect on the environment. But to do sustainable cultivation, the government needs to push strict policies and awareness regarding the same.
What does Sustainable Palm Oil Cultivation Look Like?
No to Monoculture:
Monoculture is the agricultural practice of cultivating a single crop species on a large scale over an extended area. To do sustainable palm oil tree cultivation, heavy emphasis should be given to planting diverse trees in between the palms like that of Tea cultivation.
Wildlife Corridors:
In between large areas of palm oil cultivation, there is a need to provide room for wild creatures to roam. Animals like Elephants temporarily migrate from one place to another to find food or partner. So corridors should be a part of the plantation.
Agriforest:
Agriforest, short for agroforestry, is a land management system that combines agricultural crops or livestock with tree cultivation in the same area or on the same piece of land. It combines trees, shrubs, and woody perennials with traditional agriculture to gain various benefits at the same time.
What governments should do to evade environmental damage through Palm Oil Plantation?
Government policies play a crucial role in the sustainable agriculture of Palm Oil Tree. The following points should be kept in mind to evade environmental damage:
No Deforestation:
Sustainable palm oil production should not involve the clearing of primary forests or high-conservation-value areas. Plantations should be established on already degraded or non-forested land.
Responsible Land Use:
Proper land-use planning should be carried out to identify suitable areas for palm oil cultivation, taking into account biodiversity and water resources. High carbon stock and high conservation value assessments are used to guide land-use decisions.
Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Efforts should be made to reduce emissions from land-use change and the production process. This includes avoiding peatland development, minimizing methane emissions from palm oil mill effluent, and promoting energy-efficient practices.
Certification:
Certifying bodies like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) set standards for sustainable palm oil production. Companies that meet these standards can obtain RSPO certification, which indicates adherence to sustainable practices.
Biodiversity Conservation:
Efforts should be made to conserve and restore biodiversity in and around palm oil plantations. This can include creating buffer zones, and wildlife corridors, and protecting critical habitats.
Water Management:
Sustainable palm oil cultivation includes responsible water management to prevent pollution and ensure the sustainable use of water resources.
Responsible Use of Agrochemicals:
Pesticides and fertilizers should be used sparingly and responsibly to minimize their environmental impact.
Transparency and Traceability:
Supply chains should be transparent, and traceability systems should be in place to ensure that sustainably produced palm oil can be verified from plantation to consumer.
The Gist of the Discussion:
The debate surrounding palm oil cultivation in Assam highlights both environmental concerns and economic opportunities. While environmentalists raise valid points, sustainable palm oil practices can coexist with biodiversity conservation and responsible land use.
Green politics, despite criticisms of its economic policies, can align with sustainable palm oil cultivation when it emphasizes responsible land use, biodiversity preservation, and transparency in supply chains.
Cultivating palm oil in Assam has the potential to boost the economy while safeguarding the environment, provided we prioritize sustainability and enact robust government policies. Balancing economic growth with ecological responsibility is crucial for a better future in Assam and beyond.
Also Read: India that is Bharat debate
