Guwahati: In a unique initiative, the land of tea, Tinsukia in Assam, is embracing change with an experiment in maize cultivation. Around 12 bighas of land in Dooma Dooma town in Tinsukia district, previously used as a dumping ground for several years, has now been transformed into a maize cultivation site, thanks to the efforts of the Doom Dooma Municipal Board.
The project was inaugurated by MLA Rupesh Gowala, who personally sowed the seeds of Maize on January 16. Reflecting on the initiative, Gowala stated, “The dumping ground was a long-standing issue, and we’ve decided to convert it into a scientifically managed waste disposal area.”
He further explained, “This venture serves as an experiment to gauge the success of Maize cultivation on this 12 bigha land. As part of our sustainable waste management strategy, two trucks of refuse-derived fuel were dispatched to a cement kiln in Meghalaya, contributing to eco-friendly fuel usage.”
MLA Gowala also disclosed that the tender process for a solid waste processing plant has been initiated, underscoring the commitment to responsible waste management practices.
The move aligns with the Union government’s broader plan to bolster maize cultivation, ensuring federally fixed minimum support prices. India aims to increase corn production by 10 million metric tonnes over the next five years, responding to rising demand for ethanol production and the poultry industry’s feed requirements.
Meanwhile, upper Assam, primarily known for tea cultivation, is diversifying into palm oil cultivation. Assam has also been identified by the Rubber Board as a potential expansion frontier for rubber plantation, aiming to reduce hefty import bills.
Tea tourism and eco-friendly initiatives have found support from the Assam government, allowing up to five percent of tea garden land for such purposes. With more than 10 lakh tea workers in the organised sector across approximately 850 estates, Assam contributes to 55% of India’s tea production. The tea belts of Brahmaputra and Barak valleys are not just tea havens but homes to over 60 lakh people.
This transformative project in Tinsukia signifies not only a shift towards sustainable agriculture practices but also contributes to the larger national goals of enhancing biofuel production and reducing dependency on imports, marking a significant stride towards a more self-reliant and ecologically conscious future.
