With an aim to boost awareness and to train and master unskilled farmers on scientific methods of tapping rubber latex and processing, Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) undertook a ‘Within District Farmers Training and Exposure Visit’ to Watiyim Village, Tsurangkong Block, Mokokchung from 26th -27th May 2022.
The team was led by Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung along with staff from different blocks. A training on “Scientific Method of Tapping Rubber Latex” was conducted at a rubber farm situated at Watiyim village for the rubber growing farmers from Chungtiayimsen, Watiyim, Longphayimsen and Moayimti villages. The resource persons for the training were Dr. Sashiyangba, District Project Officer, Department of Land Resources, Mokokchung and Imo Yaden, a certified rubber expert from Anakiyimsen village, Tuli.
The farmers were trained on the different methods of tapping rubber latex and were familiarized with all the types of rubber tapping tools and implements. The resource person explained and demonstrated about Tapping standards, High level tapping, Intensive tapping, Dilution of acid and water, Latex and water dilution formula etc.
On-site demonstration on how to tap latex from the rubber tree was conducted and all the trainees were actively involved in tapping latex and collection which was further processed for rubber sheet. The farmers were then taken to rubber smoke house unit where the finished product of rubber sheets are dried and sorted. They were also highlighted on the proper method of smoke house construction and its set up.
Resource person Imo Yaden emphasized on the importance of economy where most farmers bring tapping experts from outside the state which results in huge income differences due to wages paid to the expertise. He also cited the economic losses due to improper processing and care. He challenged the fellow rubber cultivars to acquire skills in tapping and never depend on others for one’s income generation.
Besides visiting rubber farms, the participants were also taken for an exposure visit to SAMVRUDI Handloom Textile Park at Chungtiayimsen village, first of its kind in Nagaland where farmers were toured to project tools and equipment, silk development facilities and manufacturing unit of raw materials to refined products.
Altogether 25 trainees from four villages attended the training program and the training was successfully completed. All the participants were given rubber tapping equipment and tools.