Dimapur, July 21: Niuland Sub- Divisional Agriculture Office organized tea saplings distribution programme for small tea growers in the district under the tea development programme (RKVY) at its office premises on July 20.
Deputy Commissioner Niuland, S. Sara Jamir said Niuland District has the potential to become one of the richest agricultural districts in Nagaland because of its advantageous topography and favorable climate conditions for various crops. She encouraged the tea growers to expand which can usher in employment.
The DC also stressed the collaboration of the various stakeholders and requested SDAO Niuland to provide technical support and supply necessary machinery to the tea growers. She envisioned registering a patent for Niuland tea which can bring more recognition in the tea industry.
While speaking on the prospect and potential of tea farming in the district, Simon Philips Jyrwa, Commercial Manager of Atoqa Tea producer company Ltd. Nikhekhu said the company has a capacity of 23 lakh kgs green leaf and 5 lakh kg CTC made per year licensed under the Tea Board of India. Its main vision was to cater to the problems faced by the small tea growers by rendering the cost of transportation and fair price for green leaves. He highlighted that in 2021 annual supply of raw materials did not meet the total capacity of the factory i.e. only 30% of raw materials were received. He stated that there are three main factors for the low supply – lack of technical knowledge of tea cultivation and its management, shortage of tea plantation area, and lack of labour. He extended cooperation to the Department to work towards the progressive goal and higher productivity of the tea industry in the district.
Meanwhile 50,000 tea saplings were distributed to the tea growers during the function.
(Page News Service)
