Naga cardamom growers venture into fibre craft

March 20, 2021 86 Views No Comment

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 19

In a major boost for cardamom industry in Nagaland, the cardamom growers have started learning the use of cardamom fibre for various crafts.

After completing a nine-day long ‘Skill Development Training on Cardamom Fibre Craft’, 25 trainees from cardamom growing villages of Phek district have successfully produced Yoga mats, laptop bags, file covers, bags, table mats, pen stands, storage boxes etc.

Commending the venture, State Planning & coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu appealed North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) and Spices Board of India not to hesitate in investing on agro-based industry in the Nagaland, assuring that it will not be a failure.

Cardamom is quite feasible in Nagaland, he said while addressing the valedictory function of the training programme today at Pfutsero under Phek district.

He also requested Spices Board of India to promote black pepper since varieties of black pepper are grown in the state. Kronu also requested NEDFi to focus on developing Banana fibre as well. He also observed that honey is also one area that can do well in Nagaland.

Further, the minister urged the farmers not to be disheartened with the prices as market rates usually fluctuate. If the production/supply is consistent, then it will not fail the farmers, he added.

Referring to cardamom fibre craft, Ashim Kumar Das, Deputy General Manager NEDFi, Guwahati said, “This is a new product. We have to cater to the market.”

He also stressed the need to improve the technology and take the cardamom fibre product forward.

He assured that NEDFi support for cardamom growers of the State. Dharmendra Das, Deputy Director Spices Board of India, Guwahati assured that the Board will support and promote marketing of cardamom both to the national and international level.

“We will buy your products,” Das assured the cardamom growers and added that the big challenge ahead is to see the marketing possibilities.

Dr T Esther Longkumer, Senior Scientist & Head I/C KVK Porba said that Phek district is suitable for growing of cardamom and encouraged the farmers to take keen interest in it.

As per 2019 record, she informed that cardamom cultivation in Phek district has spread over 277 ha with production of 630 MT so far.

Vilhou Wetsah, CEO, Phek Organic Large Cardamom Producer Company Limited (POLCP Ltd) said that presently, POLCP Ltd has 500 share subscribers who are primary producers of cardamom.

During 2018-19, it has marketed 20 MT of cardamom, 50 MT during 2019-20 and it anticipates marketing another 60 MT during 2020-21.

The training programme on Cardamom Fibre Craft was organised by NEDFi as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. It was conducted in association with Spices Board of India, POLCPC Ltd and Chakhesang Women Welfare Society.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/naga-cardamom-growers-venture-into-fibre-craft