"Trees for Wealth" - Nagaland minister distributes saplings to villagers in Phek district

KOHIMA:

Nagaland Minister or Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Neiba Kronu on Monday distributed 22,000 saplings of fruit trees among villagers in Phek district.

This was done to mitigate the effects of climate change and as a step towards overcoming the impact of COVID- 19.

The saplings of avocado, persimmon, chestnut, tamarillo, yongchak, and local herbal tree (lengotshe), worth Rs 10 lakh, were distributed in 12 villages under the Pfutsero assembly constituency in the district.

During the launching and distribution of fruit tree saplings under the "trees for wealth" held in Pfutsero, the minister urged the citizens to work towards a town being a "land of fruits and plentiful".

The project was initiated through the Local Area Development Programme (LADP) to fight the challenges of climate change, and help in uplifting the economy, he said.

He also emphasised the importance of sustenance of livelihood and protection of the environment. He said that it is of immense importance considering the impact of climate change.

The Himalayan range, including Nagaland, is rich in biodiversity, while the state as a whole has young soil with the potential of growing different species of fruits and vegetation, he said.

The minister applauded the Entrepreneur Associate, a local organisation working to promote entrepreneurship and develop sustainable livelihoods in Nagaland, for coming forward to take care of market avenues for the farmers.

Fruits having low volume, high-value yield, and not easily perishable should be promoted, he suggested.

Chief Executive Officer of Entrepreneurs Associate (EA), Neichute Doulo said, "The project is historic not only for Pfutsero but should also be followed by other legislators which will be a huge benefit for the entire state," adding that it is a movement not only for livelihood missions but also for environmental protection.

Assuring that the EA will buy back all the products from the farmers who have received the saplings during the day, the CEO also encouraged farmers to form clusters to find markets for their products and not be dependent on the government.

(Edited by Aparmita Das)

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