Tuli, 11 May (MTNews): The Nagaland Ecological & Sanitation Management Society (NESMS) held a one-day seminar on “Promotion of Agar Wood Plantation in North-Eastern Region of India” on Thursday, 11 May at Aitlenden ward, Tuli Town, Mokokchung District, Nagaland. The event was sponsored by the North Eastern Resources Community Management Project, which is part of the Ministry of DONER, Government of India.
Temjen Jamir, NESMS Co-ordinator, gave a brief introduction to the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) and NESMS. The resource person, P Samalemzung (Forest 2), who was invited from the Forest Department, Tuli Range Office, Government of Nagaland, stated that Agarwood is a highly valued/expensive natural raw material in the world because of its different scents.
Agar, scientifically known as Aquilaria Malaccensis, has 21 species in India. According to Samalemzung, three different species are widely found in India, with Aquilaria Crassna being the best species in Nagaland.
He also stated that Agarwood cultivation is better in dry land, that Agarwood is light in weight, and that it is not suitable for firewood. He urged people to dig free space and place the nursery plant in a polybag in order for the plant to grow healthy. He also advocated cutting the bottom roots during plantation because it is the best strategy for assisting the plant in growing quickly. He also urged the participants to pursue a career in Agarwood farming.
Three Forest Department officials, 21 participants, Arenbenla Associate Youth Pastor of ABA volunteers, and NESMS staff members attended the program.