Neiba Kronu and others during the launching and distribution of fruit trees saplings at Pfutsero on July 5. (Morung Photo)
Make Pfutsero the ‘Land of fruits and plentiful,’ Kronu encourages
Our Correspondent
Pfutsero | July 5
Twenty two thousand fruit tree saplings under ‘Trees for Wealth’ project have been distributed to the public today under 16th Pfutsero Assembly Constituency of Phek district.
This 22,000 fruit tree saplings comprising of Tamarillo (tree tomato), Persimmon, Chestnut, Avocado, Stinky beans (Yongchak) and zanthoxylum, worth Rs. 10 lakh was sponsored by Nagaland’s planning & coordination, land revenue and parliamentary affairs minister Neiba Kronu through Local Area Development Programme (LADP).
Speaking at the launching and distribution programme at Pfutsero, Kronu said the protection of our planet and environment is of immense importance considering the impact of climate change.
He said the distribution of fruit tree saplings has been done with a view to fight the challenges of climate change as well as help uplift the economy.
The minister said that the fruits of low volume with high value yield and not easily perishable items should be the prime target.
Kronu assured that he will continue to support “Trees for Wealth” project and challenged the people to work towards making Pfutsero the “Land of fruits and plentiful”.
“Our constituency should be an example for other districts to take up mass fruit tree plantation for overall economic uplift,” Kronu challenged.
Trees for wealth
Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) Chief Executive Officer Neichute Doulo said “Trees for wealth” project, an initiative of EA was launched in 2019 by minister Kronu in Kohima.
This is a movement to plant not just trees, but fruit trees make the State the ‘fruit hub of India,’ he said.
The initiative is an attempt towards promoting rural economy, besides making a contribution in tackling climate change.
Doulo assured that EA will buy back all the produce of the farmers, who have received 22,000 fruit tree saplings today.
EA Zonal Head Cukhoyi Chiero said that with the increasing attention towards issues of Environment and Climate change, the need for Government, NGO’s and civil societies worldwide to take effective measures to mitigate its effects has become crucial.
Among the multiple factors that contribute to Environmental changes, deforestation, in the context of Nagaland, poses a grave threat to the state and its people.
Moreover, several lockdowns and an almost drought like situation have added to the hardships of farmers in Nagaland, Chiero said.
The mission of the “Trees for Wealth” movement is to not only reduce the ecological impact of farming activities in Nagaland but also to encourage sustainable livelihoods, promote local farming knowledge and spread best practices that will ensure a safe and healthy environment for future generations, he said.
