The Nagaland government is exploring the introduction of genetically superior teak clones capable of significantly reducing the harvesting period from the current 35–40 years to about 12–15 years, Principal Secretary Y Kikheto Sema said.
The proposal was discussed during a visit by a delegation of officers from the Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of Nagaland, to the Rain Forest Research Institute (RFRI) in Jorhat on March 6 to explore scientific collaboration in sustainable forest management and improved cultivation techniques of economically important tree species.
Sema said foothill areas of Nagaland are suitable for teak cultivation, but the long rotation period discourages farmers. Referring to an interaction with Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh during his visit to Nagaland last month, he said the minister had recommended adoption of genetically superior teak clones developed by the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding in Coimbatore.
Sema urged scientists at RFRI to explore improved teak clones that could shorten the rotation period to around 12–15 years. Scientists from the institute responded positively and indicated that better performing clones could be sourced from their sister institutions and introduced in Nagaland.
During the interaction, Sema also sought clarification on the cultivation and economic viability of jatropha. RFRI scientists informed that although the crop was promoted as a bio-diesel plant between 1998 and 2004, it was later found to be economically unviable in the region and is therefore no longer recommended for cultivation.
The principal secretary further urged the institute to examine the potential for bamboo cultivation in Nagaland’s foothill areas adjoining Assam with the objective of supplying bamboo resources to Assam Bioethanol Private Limited in Numaligarh, which produces bioethanol from bamboo biomass.
RFRI scientists agreed to facilitate a meeting with the company to explore possible collaboration in this regard.
Sema stressed that scientific research, awareness and geographical suitability studies should precede any major plantation initiatives in the state.
He also suggested that the institute expand its research and extension activities more evenly across northeastern states with special attention to Nagaland.