NNN
Aizawl, June 2
The report on the “Study on the success and impact of NLUP under Horticulture Sector in Mizoram: Mandarin Orange” by Consultative Committee for NLUP (CCN) through Mizoram University experts shows an encouraging fall in the number of families practicing traditional slash and burn method of cultivation or jhuming which is not eco-friendly and so the state government trying to do away with the same.Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla released the Study Report in a function held for the purpose at NIB Conference Hall.
The CCN Research or Study covered 35 villages of the 8 districts of the State and the report prepared from 6565 NLUP orange beneficiaries out of the total 8538 beneficiaries under Horticulture Department.
The study report shows that both the number of families engaged in shifting cultivation and the forest area covered by it has come down to a commendable percentage after the launch of New Land Used Policy.
The number of families in Mizoram engaged in shifting cultivation has come down from 66.44% to 46.14%, and the area used by one family has also come down to 22.52%. Along with it, the number of families engaged in paddy fields has risen from 16.19% to 27.20%. The number of labours in shifting cultivation has also fallen from 47.69% to 29.54% while the number of labours in paddy fields has risen from 18.17% to 31.14%. The number of beneficiaries holding bank accounts has also increased from 46.81% to 98.24%. 68.35% of the orange saplings planted are seen growing healthily and are hopeful of maturing. Orange cultivation under NLUP covers 3100 hectares of land.
It is estimated that, starting from 2017, even if the annual yielding is 48, the orange production of Mizoram shall be increased by 1095 MT in 2017, and by 2020 it will be increased by 7838 MT.
Meanwhile, the report mentions that 25% of the orange beneficiaries have incurred a more than 50% loss.
The report carries a number of suggestions for the success of the orange cultivators which include providing them a source of livelihood during the period until it matures; providing them with water sources and helping them to have good market.
