Agar plantation launched in Chandel

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, July 27, 2018: Forest and environment minister Th. Shyamkumar along with forest department officials launched agar tree plantation programme on Friday at Utangpokpi village, Chakpikarong subdivision under Chandel district. The program was organised by Forest Department.

Shyamkumar said the agar plantation will help the locals in increasing their income. He appealed to the villagers to protect the trees which are being planted today. He said the agar plantation will generate income of Rs 30,000 to 40,000 per tree after a gap of 7-8 years for the villagers and it will also help in protecting the environment.

Chandel, Jiribam, Kamjong and Moreh are best suitable for the agar tree plantation in the state, he said. He opined that departments of Horticulture and Soil Conservation and Forest need to jointly work for the benefit of the villagers. The departments will soon take up developmental programs, he assured.

The villagers appreciated the minister and the officials for organising the program and stated that it has infused a new ray of hope among the villagers. The villagers also drew the attention of the minister over the bad road condition, construction of fencing at the agar plantation site, appointment of watchman and maali, supply of forest fire protection material, bamboo plantation scheme among others.