DIMAPUR — In a collaborative effort, the department of Land Resources, in conjunction with the Rubber Board of India (RBI), regional office in Dimapur, conducted training on the scientific method of rubber tapping and processing as part of the Tappers' Intensive Skill Improvement Programme in Chümoukedima.
According to a press release, the training was conducted in three phases, with the first phase commencing on March 18 and the third phase concluding on Saturday.
Altogether, 45 rubber farmers from all rubber-growing districts of the state were trained at the department's Resource Centre in Ruzaphema, Chümoukedima district.
It was mentioned that in the first two batches, RBI supported the training with their technical expertise. However, in the third batch, the department conducted the training through its own in-house trainers.
The additional director of Land Resources and the assistant development officer of RBI Dimapur addressed the trainees during the culmination programme of the third phase of training.
Encouraging the trainees to become trainers in their respective regions or areas, the additional director mentioned that the department would ensure hands-on support in the field through the already trained farmers who will act as master trainers in their respective cluster and district.
Meanwhile, the assistant development officer urged rubber farmers and tappers to refrain from daily tapping of the trees to ensure the longevity of the trees. He stated that the RBI would continue to extend all possible assistance through the department.
The report stated that, sharing their training experience, the trainees expressed that the training was extremely beneficial for the farmers and tappers.