A Central team led by the Deputy Director, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development (DASD), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Calicut, Kerala, Babulal Meena along with Senior Scientist, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), West Bengal, Dr. A.K. Sit and Scientist CPCRI, Guwahati, Leichombam S. Singh visited Peren District and conducted site visit to the DPDB declared Ngwalwa Arecanut Village on 16th December 2025 as part of an arecanut cultivation feasibility study. The team also carried out field visits to Heningkunglwa village.

Following the field visits, a stakeholders’ meeting was held at the Village Council Hall, Ngwalwa, under the chairmanship of EAC Ngwalwa, Sizin Renttah. The meeting was attended by government officials, village leaders, and local stakeholders.

During the meeting, the Central team informed that they would recommend to the Ministry the introduction of latest production technologies, establishment of nurseries for quality planting materials, development of necessary infrastructure, and creation of marketing linkages with South India. The team also proposed to develop the Ngwalwa area, including Heningkunglwa, Ngwalwa, Gaili Namdi, Gaili, and Punglwa villages, as an Arecanut Hub. In addition, intercropping of arecanut with spices such as black pepper and cocoa was suggested to enhance farmers’ income and promote sustainable cultivation practices.

(Mamang IA, Peren)