A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Rubber Board of India (RBI) and Department of Land Resources (DoLR), Government of Nagaland, for setting up of a nodal centre of National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) at Ruzaphema, Chumoukedima district, on January 9.

The MoU was signed on the occasion of NIRT silver jubilee celebration at the Rubber Research Institute (RRI), Kottayum, Kerala. HekatoYeptho, Additional Director of DoLR, Nagaland, congratulated the National Institute of Rubber Training on 25 years of excellence, and stated that the Department of Land Resources, Nagaland, is delighted to partner with NIRT, RBI.

"Our state has more than 4 lakh hectares suitable for rubber cultivation, but only 20,000 hectares have been developed so far. Expanding rubber cultivation can boost our rural economy.

This MoU will positively impact ecosystem, conservation in our region", he said. Yeptho thanked the NIRT, RBI for partnering with the department through training and development and stated that their support shows concern for the rural community. "The department and RBI relationship is not new and with the inking of this MoU, it will strengthen our partnership more than ever to ensure that together we achieve a common objective and a vision to make our state to accomplish the 3 Es -Ecology, Employment and Economy", he added. The additional director was accompanied by the project officer, DoLR.