Wokha, November 28 (MExN): The Wokha district has been declared a Organic Tea Zone. A programme regarding the same was held on November 27 at LTC Hall, Wokha where the Wokha District Small Tea Growers Association (WDSTGA) made the declaration.
The association reaffirmed its earlier resolution, which stated that no tea farmer in the district is allowed to apply any kind of chemical inside or outside the farm; Application of manure in the farm containing chemical is strictly prohibited; Application of salt in the farm is strictly prohibited; Application of insecticides and pesticides on the Tea leaves is strictly prohibited; and Tea farmers will be forced to maintain free polythene/plastic in the farm (plastic free zone).
It also stated that any farmer found violating the above precautionary measures shall be taken stern action, defaulter(s) will even invite cancellation of his/her registration and any business opportunity will be cease by the association.
Santsu Kithan, District Agriculture Officer Wokha in his speech encouraged the tea farmers of the district not to use any chemicals, pesticides and insecticides and emphasized on making the area free plastic zone. The District Agricultural Officer also said that minimum use of land should be practiced by all since “land is fixed but human habitation is enormous.”
Hundreds of enthusiast tea farmers participated in the programme. The association with an aim to achieve free plastic zone will now supply only naked tea sapling of 5 (five) lakhs with a nominal rate of Rs. 3/- (per sapling) to the interested farmers. Wokha district initially occupied 350 hectares of tea cultivated land. The association is sponsored by Shamakok Organic TE & ANSTGA.
H Orenpomo Ngullie, General Secretary, WDSTGA stated in a press release that earlier, Rev. Abemo Jungio, Associate Pastor WTBC said the invocation, welcome address by Shanpanthung Ngullie Vice president WDSTGA, demonstration on organic tea making by P. Renpomo Lotha Jt. Secretary WDSTGA, read out and affirmation of its resolution by H. Orenpomo Ngullie General Secretary WDSTGA.
The programme was chaired by R. Mhabemo Lotha, President WTSTGA and benediction by Wobemo Kikon Pastor Longla Baptist Church.
