Aloe Vera processing plant inaugurated

An Aloe Vera processing plant was inaugurated at Changki Organic Bio-Tech Park at Tzurang valley, Changki village under Mokokchung district on March 11.
Speaking as chief guest commissioner and secretary soil and water conservation, Dr. K. Ao said the commissioning of Aloe Vera processing plant at Changki Organic Bio-Tech Park with its trade name ‘Chen Chen’ was a great challenge as it was known to be first of its kind in the North East, for which he expressed hope that the ‘first’ would remain the best and not ‘first one to fail’.
Dr. K. Ao stressed that more emphasize should be given to raise traditional and aromatic plantations like the Aloe Vera as it had lot of potential for sustainable income and healthy livelihood.
He encouraged the people to dedicated more on their ventures to make Mokokchung district an eye-opener in the sector of progressive farming. With the commissioning of New Aloe Vera processing machine Dr. K. Ao said it would open more avenues for employment and attract public towards farming economy not only for Changki people but for the whole Naga community.
Dr. N. Benjong Aier, mission director (horticulture technology mission) also speaking at the programme said promotional activities of one person was a gain for whole community and called upon villagers to learn the technique of farming and to take up challenges.
He also encouraged the people to seek help from government and promote people through farming economy.
Highlighting the Technology Mission where farmers were given technical guidance with inputs and planting materials, he said, once the marketing avenues were established there would not be any problem for economy returns.
Changki Organic Bio-Tech Park, COBTP is a biosphere park of multi-dimensional and ethno-botanical extension oriented activities, comprising of bio-prospecting of rare horticulture, herbal and aromatic plants of Nagaland.
According to the proprietor of COBTP (Changki Organic Bio-tech Park) S. Chuba Pongen, the commissioning of Aloe Vera Processing Plant would generate a lot of employments to contract farmers and monetary gains through Aloe Vera products which would be available in the form of health drinks, gel, spray, dried powder and concentrates.
The Rs. 2.85 crore Aloe Vera Processing Plant covers washing unit, extractor, juicer, storage tank, filtering, fine filtration, cosmetic processor, powder unit section, tray, drier, boiler and laboratory.
At present, ten local workers were being trained to handle the processing machine by a professional technician from Mumbai.
The project was assisted by Hornbill Finance Ltd. Dimapur, SFAC, and MFPI, government of India, department of horticulture, Nagaland under HTM: M.M, Agricultural Link Road and government of Nagaland and Power supply (PMGSY), government of Nagaland.