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This photograph that was provided by an agriculture development group in Tuensang district sought to illustrate cotton production in a small village in the district, Pathso village. Cotton production in the area is a ‘success story,’ the ATMA of the area stated on Saturday. [/caption]
Dimapur, September 11 : Once experts in weaving and traditional textiles, the Naga community have now moved on to more modern fashion choices. By that, cotton production has also taken a backseat. But all is not lost, according to the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) unit of Tuensang district.
“Cotton is still popular in some rural areas in the state,” the ATMA stated in a note to the media on Saturday. One of the areas where people are still into cotton production is Pathso village, the local agricultural development group said on Saturday.
The ATMA issued a press release on Saturday offering an account of cotton production in the village.
Pathso village, under Noklak block in Tuensang district, is about 70 kilometres from Tuensang town. The villagers still depend mostly on own source of income from farming and rearing domestic animals but cotton cultivation is still popular in the village and in the surrounding areas, the ATMA stated.
“To uplift the economy of the women in the village, Agricultural Technology Management Agency opened a cotton farm school in the village. The school is opened with the aim to impart training to cotton growers. With the support of ATMA the cotton growers have increased the production of raw cotton."
The activity of spinning and weaving has also increased, the ATMA assured. “Different designs of clothes and dress are made by women self help group known as cotton farmers. The product of this self-help group is not only (used) by the villagers, but they are selling their products to outsiders as well.”
The agency explained that the ‘main attraction of their work is fine and skillful finishing with attractive designs.’ They are also said to use locally-available dyes and colors. This humble beginning of the women group is 'gaining income and popularity day by day as they inspire to be,' the ATMA asserted.
“The soil and climatic condition of Nagaland is suitable for cultivation of cotton. Nagas since time immoral cultivated cotton. Nagas are also expert in spinning and weaving of cotton. Different designs of clothes are made from cotton,” the press release explained.
“However, in the recent time with the change of time, people have turn for easy and more decent dress available in the market. Thus, the traditional method of cotton cultivation is losing popularity in the state.”
The updates in the press release were offered by Kunoto Y Chishi, DPD of the Tuensang ATMA.