Kamalanagar, 04 May, 2022: Oil palm farmers from around Kamalanagar town area were distributed tools and implements in a programme organized by ICAR β Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi and Department of Agriculture, Mizoram at CADC Rest House Conference Hall.
Pu R. Vanlalchhuanga, Dy. Director, Agriculture Department, Mizoram Government, Dr. Ravi Chandran G., Scientist, ICAR, Dr. Somasundaram G., Scientist, ICAR and Mr. Tapas Kumar Tripathy, Mizoram State Head, Ruchi Soya attended the programme as resource persons.
The programme is first of its kind attended by scientists from ICAR β Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi. Three villages from Mizoram namely Kamalanagar-II, Bungtlang South and Marpara South have been selected for this programme.
The resource persons have stated that the oil palm farmers in Mizoram have been facing problem with selling of their produce due to lack of road communication in many parts of the state which they said will be addressed at the earliest.
The farmers were encouraged to share their problems and needs so that they can be addressed.
It has been said that number of collection centres will be increased and a factory will be set up here in CADC area as the central government have launch a new Mission on Oil Palm known as the National Mission on Edible Oils β Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) with special focus on the north east region.
The farmers were distributed tools for pruning and harvesting which cost more than Rs.7000 and motorized grass cutter for weeding which costs Rs.22,000. The farmers demanded for supply of fertilizers and PVC pipes for irrigation.
The resource persons have said that in the coming days training and workshops will be arranged for the benefit of the farmers.