Two-day rubber training cum exposure trip was conducted at Merapani under Wokha district. Altogether 21 rubber growers from Longra, Noksen and Alisopur villages, which are potential rubber growing areas located near the Dikhu valley under Tuensang district were imparted special training on rubber cultivation.
This trip was organized by Dr. Menuosietuo Tseikha, DPO Tuensang, DoLR. In his keynote address, Dr. Menuosietuo highlighted the importance of knowing how and when to properly manage rubber plantation. He further urged the growers to learn all they can so they can replicate the same in their respective villages. He also emphasized the importance of proper training and utilizing the knowledge gained to its optimum, whereby they can also teach their fellow villagers.
While highlighting the purpose of the training cum exposure trip, the DPO said that the only potential area for rubber cultivation under Tuensang district is the one surrounding Dikhu valley. So, he encouraged the villagers of the particular area to not waste the opportunity provided to them in taking advantage of the training and move ahead in improving their economic status.
Day one was theory where they learnt the basics of rubber plantation. The topics included setting up nurseries, transplanting it to the main field, management of branches etc. On day two, the farmers practiced whatever they had learnt in theory. Hands on training was imparted to them about the various stages of rubber plantation.
The resource person for the entire training was C. Vanchamo Ngullie, Dy. Director, who has a vast experience in the field of rubber plantation. He demonstrated to the rubber growers the different kinds of pest infestation and how to treat them through indigenous and scientific method using locally available resources. He also warned the trainees that they have to change their mindset of earning money quickly because this kind of cultivation takes time to bear fruit. Further, he advised them to watch for signs which may be damaging their plants and tend to them at the earliest using the techniques that they have learnt. The trainees were each given a budded plant at the end of the training.
Source: The Morung Express
Published: 12 Mar 2014