Department officials from land resources paid a visit to Tichibami village– the highest grower of cardamom in Nagaland with 6 lakh saplings being provided by land resources department–on July 15
A press note by District Project Officer, Vikugha Kiba, stated that with the efforts of the villagers, the number of saplings have now gone up to almost 10 lakh.
It stated that cardamom cultivation was fetching the villagers Rs 35 lakh (approx) annually at present. The villagers are also harvesting kiwi fruit from around 200 plants out of 2000 plants and getting an annual turnout of Rs 28 lakh, informed the release. Secretary of Land Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema, said that the department has channelized coffee market outside the state and even abroad and encouraged farmers to grow coffee wherever possible.
He expressed happiness that Tichibami village was providing water to Mokokchung district and lauded the villagers for their humanitarian service and urged them to continue living harmoniously with their neighbours.
Director, LRD, Hoto Yeptho, also thanked villagers for proper implementation of the department’s schemes. LRD officers were also impressed with the meticulous report presented by self help groups.
The officials also visited Shotomi village where a meeting was held with the leaders and watershed development team members.