AALO, Dec 23: Around 300 progressive farmers of West Siang district attended an awareness programme on medicinal and commercial plants held here on Saturday.
A four-tier system of clubs, from the grassroots level to the apex body, is being worked out in the district.
The Tea Board of India’s Itanagar branch Assistant Director Arupjyoti Das informed about the bank subsidies available for cultivating several varieties of tea, while Guwahati (Assam)-based Stevia Consultants’ Raju Boro informed about how the stevia plant can be harvested 4-5 times a year.
Boro said his company is importing quality seeds for the farmers, and urged the participants to form farmers’ clubs to cultivate stevia on a commercial basis.
CSIR senior scientist Dr Chandan Tamuly made a PowerPoint presentation on methods and techniques of farming, while Yomjum Yomgam share his experience of earning self-sustenance without depending on the government.
Siang Farmers’ Federation chairman Doi Ado and secretary Nyakar Raksap said the district is bestowed with one of the best fertile soils in the country, and urged the farmers to “set a unique example in the farming sector.” (DIPRO)
