3rd mega oil palm plantation drive in Niuland

The office of the District Agriculture Officer (DAO), Niuland, under the Department of Agriculture, conducted the 3rd Mega Oil Palm Plantation Drive on July 15. The initiative was formally flagged off by Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Aghunaqa, M. Khenpa Konyak.
Speaking as guest of honour, EAC Konyak assured farmers of the government’s support for agricultural development. He encouraged confidence in the oil palm initiative and clarified that the locally-raised saplings are well-suited to the region’s climate, countering negative media reports. DAO Niuland chairperson Thepusa Nakro said the plantation drive marks the beginning of a phased effort to promote oil palm cultivation in the district. He thanked Godrej Agrovet Ltd. for supplying quality saplings and highlighted the success of progressive farmer Vitozhe Sema, whose farm at Ghotovi has been declared a Model Demonstration Farm.
Agricultural Officer Ditolyn Sumi, who also serves as the program officer for NMEO–Oil Palm, urged farmers to be diligent during the crop’s early stages.
She assured that the department will continue to provide training and guidance, focusing on proper spacing and planting techniques. The programme concluded with the dispatch of saplings to various villages. A total of 2,500 saplings were distributed among 17 farmers.