Dimapur, July 5 (MExN): The All Nagaland Tea Growers’ Association has requested the Nagaland government for early setting up of a Screening Committee. The Association’s officials, led by its president, had earlier met the Nagaland Chief Secretary on June 19 and 23 last regarding the setting up of the Committee as recommended by the Tea Board. The ANTGA disclosed that the Chief Secretary, during the course of their meeting, had assured of “prompt action” for which the Association has expressed appreciation.
The ANTGA met today at its head office at High Ridge, Darogapathar, in Dimapur, to discuss the recent developments with regard to the setting up of the Screening Committee. D Hukiye Kibami, ANTGA president, and general secretary Imi Yaden, informed that the Association had on March 3 this year met with the Union Secretary for Commerce & Industry, P Chaudhury. The Association was then directed by the Union Secretary to meet the official of the Tea Board in Kolkata.
The ANTGA then held a meeting with the Chairman of the Tea Board, Basu Deb Banerjee, vice chairperson Rosney Sen, and Director of Tea Development, G Boriah. At the meeting, the ANTGA sought the improvement of tea gardens in Nagaland, while the release of the long pending subsidy to the Nagaland tea growers was also discussed. Moreover, at the same meeting it was agreed upon working out modalities to cooperate with the Screening Committee.
To this regard, the Executive Director of Tea Board Dispur-Guwahati had written to the government of Nagaland on April 9 this year. Another reminder was sent to the Chief Secretary Nagaland on June 1 for immediate implementation. However, with the Chief Secretary now assuring prompt action, the Association is hopeful for an early setting up of the Screening Committee, it was informed.
The ANTGA has informed all registered ‘small tea growers’ who have already applied for subsidy to the Tea Board to submit their names, location, area and Tea Board registration number to the District Agriculture Officer on or before July 15, 2009.
Following today’s meeting, the following members have been nominated to assist and coordinate with the Agri department in their respective districts:
Mkg: N Lanu (9436 002 490)
Tsg: Yongthrise (9436 448 822)
Kiphire: SK James (9436 012 951)
Dmr: Vikheto Yeptho (9856 506 240)
Tuli: Imi Yaden (9612 542 025)
Zbto: D Hukiye Kibami (9862 126 949)
Wokha: Zubenthung (9436 060 803)
Mon: MK John (9862 907 247)
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