Niuland SDAO distributed tea saplings to small tea growers in the district on July 20. (DIPR Photo)
Niuland, July 21 (MExN): Niuland Sub-Divisional Agriculture Office organised a tea sapling distribution programme for small tea growers in the district under the Tea development program (RKVY) on July 20.
A DIPR report on Thursday stated that Deputy Commissioner Niuland, S Sara Jamir observed the district’s 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 their enterprises and in turn, usher in employment.
The DC also stressed on the need for collaboration among various stakeholders and requested SDAO Niuland to provide technical support and supply necessary machinery to the tea growers. She also envisioned the registration of a patent for Niuland tea which can bring more recognition in the tea industry, it said.
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 making 23 lakh kg green leaf and 5 lakh kg CTC per year and is 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 as only 30% of raw materials were received.
Jyrwa attributed the low supply to 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, the DIPR reported.
Meanwhile, 50,000 tea saplings were distributed to the tea growers during the function.
A short speech was delivered by Tokishe Zhimomi, Head GB of Kuhoxu village on behalf of the tea growers while L Kivika Chophi, SDAO Niuland delivered the keynote address.
