Department of Land Resources (DoLR) Nagaland has informed that the state has 68 lakh standing rubber trees out of which 16 lakh trees are being tapped, employing more than 20 thousand progressive farmers.
This was stated by secretary DoLR, Kikheto Sema, during the “culmination programme of PMKSY-WDC (erstwhile IWMP) IWMP-III &IV under batch-II” at Wokha, Town Hall on Thursday.
Speaking as chief guest, Kikheto pointed out that Nagaland was the first to have successfully implemented the second phase of the project, adding other states were still in the first phase. He was all praise for the district, its fertile soil and the activities of DoLR in Wokha.
The secretary who visited rubber farms in the district on July 12, remarked “transformation of economy” was taking place in Wokha.
He speculated that in 4-5 years, Wokha will be highest per capita income in the country. “Everything your land produces is money and I don’t see why it shouldn’t become the highest per capita in the country,” Kikheto added.
Also speaking on the occasion, director DoLR, Hoto Yeptho, said
Wokha district had the highest rubber trees in Nagaland with more than 28 lakh trees out of 68 lakh state total. Hoto described rubber as a “movement” in Nagaland, calling it a success story.
He appealed the rubber farmers not to be disheartened by the dynamics of agriculture economics, urging them to be sincere and hard working.
Also addressing concerns and rumours surrounding synthetic rubber, Hoto clarified both synthetic and natural rubber had different usages and will have no adverse effect on the rubber industry.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha, Wezope Kenye in his address thanked the DoLR on behalf of the Wokha people. He exhorted the gathering to use funds judiciously in the interest of ‘our’ people.
DPO Wokha, Tepunol Yore gave a presentation on batch-II activities wherein he highlighted the achievements of the department.
Earlier the programme was chaired by addl. director DoLR, Renben Jami. On the occasion, a total of Rs. 28 lakh WDF was handed over to 16 watershed committee.
