The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) in Ilocos Norte is eyeing to plant 90,000 forest tree seedlings with partner-stakeholders under its synchronized tree planting project.

Engr. Randy Abella, branch manager of NTA, confirmed this on Tuesday after distributing production assistance to 10 farmer-cooperators in Barangays San Pedro and Tabug in Batac City; Camanga in Badoc; Salanap in Pinili; Tangaoan in Piddig; Namoroc in Vintar; and Pulangi in Bacarra town.

According to Abella, the production assistance worth PHP18,000 each is intended for the establishment of a tree nursery, covering sowing, maintenance, potting in soil media, pricking seedlings, and replanting.

“We have contracted 10 tree seedling growers, and each of them shall grow 9,000 seedlings to be planted in July for our synchronized tree planting project,” he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.

The NTA is spearheading the initiative to help restore ecological integrity and promote sustainability in tobacco-growing regions of Ilocos, Cagayan and Cordillera.

The program will be a highlight of NTA’s 39th anniversary celebration in July.

Among the seedling species being raised are Gmelina, Kakawate, Ipil-ipil, and Falcata. These are fast-growing trees intended to provide an adequate source of fuelwood and other resources needed for tobacco curing, while also providing an additional source of income for tobacco farmers.

The tobacco industry remains a major cash crop in Northern Luzon. It is also one of the largest consumers of fuelwood in tobacco-growing areas. (PNA)