TURA: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma visited the Kilkra plantation in Rongram and inspected the tea plantation near here on Saturday.
The plantation was started at Chibra-Agal in Rongram last year as part of the State government’s Green Economy project to promote sustainable livelihood to local farmers as well as to address environmental concerns.
Kilkra (Boehmeria Nivea), more commonly known as the Chinese Nettle, is a fibre plant indigenous to Garo Hills and is said to be one of the strongest natural fibres. Kilkra has been used for over 5,000 years in China, India and Indonesia and is older than cotton. Its fabric is more absorbent than cotton and breathes well and thus makes for comfortable clothing for warm and humid climate.
Sangma, while interacting with the officials of the Agriculture Department at the Horti-hub, sought to know the challenges in Kilkra plantation. The officials said only one Kilkra processing machine made in India is available in the district and the Department has suggested the need to procure machines from China.
The Chief Minister asked the district officials to identify entrepreneurs who can procure the machines and work with IBDLP in running them. It is also felt that there is a need for creating more awareness on Kilkra among farmers. It may be mentioned that Kilkra fibre is being imported from China for textile industries in India.
The Chief Minister also inspected the tea plantation near the Horti-hub and urged the officials there to plant black peppers in between the plantations to use the existing space profitably. He stressed on planting the Panniyur variety of black pepper said to be the highest yielding variety. He also urged the department officials to take up terrace plantation in the areas that are lying unused on the tea plantation premises which would also help improve its aesthetic view.
