Nagaland: Rubber plantation enhancing economy of rural farmers
A farmer is seen 'harvesting' in a rubber plantation in this file photo. (Morung File Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | February 10
Over the years, there has been a visible improvement in the economic condition of the rural farmers through rubber plantation.
This was stated in the Annual Administrative Report 2019-2020 of Land Resources department tabled on the floor of the House today by Transport, Civil Aviation and Railways and Land Resources Minister P. Paiwang Konyak.
During 2019-20, an area of 46.5 ha has been developed bringing the total area under rubber plantation to 19, 123.3 ha which is just 1.15% of the total geographical area of the state.
Out of the total plantation area of 19,123.5 ha with a total standing trees of 86, 05, 575, approximately 8, 280 Ha having a plant population of 37, 26,000 have attained maturity, presently only 2, 571 ha are being tapped for latex.
It is estimate that out of the state’s total geographical area of 16, 57,900 hectares (ha), about 4, 20, 477 ha are suitable for rubber cultivation.
The department with the objective to wean people away from jhumming practice and encourage settled farming and also for ecological and social benefits introduced rubber plantation with funding from Watershed Programme (PMKSY), various tranches of RIDF from NABARD and NEC.
The greatest benefit is the carbon sequestration from the environment providing approximately 690 MT per hectare of rubber plantation, and is also globally recognised as green industry as it produces renewable raw materials, creating host of jobs for skilled and unskilled opportunities from field to factory.
