Dibrugarh: A model “lemon village” is coming up at Naharkatia, 67 kilometre away from Dibrugarh town, with the aim to boost self-employment and improve local economy.
Dibrugarh deputy commissioner Pallav Gopal Jha on Thursday inaugurated a project to develop Cheleng Chuk village, under Naharkatia revenue circle, as a model village in the field of lemon cultivation. Under the project, 125 families of the agrarian village will be made self-sufficient through cultivation and sale of lemons. In the first phase, around 2,200 lemon saplings will be planted in the village, while the final aim is to plant 10,000 plants. The “lemon village” is part of an ambitious programme undertaken by the Dibrugarh district administration and agriculture department. Cheleng Chuk village, which spreads over 83.7 hectare with a population of 570, have in abundance two varieties of Assam lemons, locally known as “Gol Nemu” and “Kaji Nemu”.
“Naharkatia’s Cheleng Chuk village is already famous for lemon production. The quality of lemon is good, climatic condition is suitable for its growth and has a ready market among local population. We want to develop the village as a model lemon village. It will boost self-employment and generate revenue, apart from rejuvenating the local economy. We have involved six self-help groups in the process and over 2,000 lemon saplings will be planted in the next seven to 10 days. We will facilitate funds and impart scientific training to people,” Jha said. He also exuded confidence that the lemons will be able to find a good market across the state.
