Rubber Board Regional (RBR) office Dimapur and Ralan Area Rubber Producers Society (RPS) jointly conducted a four-day skill development-cum-rubber plantation inspection programme in Ralan area, Wokha, from August 24-27.
In a press release, Ralan Area RPS president Oponthung Humtsoe informed that during the programme, visiting official, assistant development officer (ADO), Manabesh Das highlighted various labourers’ welfare and post-harvest development schemes of the board.
He also talked about the present market scenario, challenges, demands and future trends in rubber marketing.
He informed the society members that the quality of tapping and processing of sheets would be closely monitored by rubber board and based on this, intensive skilled development programmes would be organised by the board from time to time.
Manabesh also briefed on the ambitious project; credit linked rubber plantation development plan (CLRPDP) launched by Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA) in the North East with an investment of Rs.1100 crore in the next five years Rubber board being the implementing age.
In this regard, he assured all possible assistance to the growers under the aegis of the RPS in the area from the project.
Meanwhile, rubber tapping demonstrator (RTD) Arup Jyoti Gogoi demonstrated scientific tapping and imparted sheet processing skill to the trainees.
He pointed out tapping defects noticed in matured plantations in the area and cautioned that faulty tapping practice may cause tapping panel dryness (TPD) syndrome which might lead to drying up of trees and cessation of latex production at an early stage as the economic yield from a healthy tree could be expected approximately 30 years .
Altogether around 75 farmers and trainees attended the programme.
The press release informed that Ralan area being a potential area for rubber plantations housed very old plantations dating back from the ‘90s.
As rubber plantation have gained momentum in the area for its economic viability and sustainability, the new generation of planters extended plantations covering more than 200 hectares in the area, the release further informed.