A Review of Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability of Oil Palm Plantations in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

This paper reviews the sustainability of oil palm plantations in Arunachal Pradesh, India. This reviews the aspects of environmental, social and economic sustainability of oil palm plantation in existing literature from the year 2000 to 2024. This document also includes tips for enhancing plantation sustainability. The review entails an analysis of existing literature and studies in the fields of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, primarily from South-East Asia but also from India. There are also recommendations for sustainable oil palm practices at the planning, policy, and implementation levels. The review shows that expansion of oil palm plantation in the state might impact the rich biodiversity of the state. It also shows that there is a correlation between the expansion of oil palm plantation and declining of forest cover in the state. Socially, while study suggests that oil palm has improved the income of the small holders, oil palm is expected to have a large number of labourers from outside the state and this gives rise to the issue of human rights, dignified life and standard of living problems. Further oil palm plantation could also impact the rich and unique culture of the tribals inhabiting the state. Economic sustainability has been assumed based on the literature available outside the state and it is expected that the oil palm will improve the living standard of the farmers. Therefore, It is believed that oil palm sustainability benefits from biodiversity and environmental management, sustainability certification, and employment policy reviews.