"Naga Paddy Man To The World" - Oken Jeet Sandham's Book Release
Book Release at Hotel Japfu, Kohima, Nagaland

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The world's tallest paddy plant discovered in Nagaland by Melhite Kenye which figured in the Guinness Book of World Records, is set to get a wider audience through the release of a book entitled "Naga Paddy Man To The World" written by a Kohima based senior journalist Oken Jeet Sandham. The record paddy plant measured 2.6m (8 and half ft) in height and had 175 stalks and 510 grains in each ear.

Releasing the book here today at Hotel Japfu on Monday, Minister for Urban Development and Higher & Technical Education Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu considered the discovery of "this miracle plant" as a gift from God for one of His servants to Naga people. He said the plant has attracted the attention of scientists from Germany, Japan and many other countries, who came and studied "this miracle plant" and collected the seeds.

He termed the discovery of the plant as a great challenge to agricultural scientists and experts in the wake of the increasing trend of rising world population and concern over food security. Given the increasing world population as a worrisome factor for the agricultural scientists and economist as far as feeding the world population is concerned, the Minister called upon the agriculture scientists and experts to give more importance to "this miracle" plant by undertaking serious research.

Dr. Liezietsu was of the apprehension that the increase in population would witness scarcity of food and water. In this, he said the agricultural scientists and economist must do something to enhance food production to feed the world population.

Senior Minister Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu (right) with author Oken Jeet Sandham (center) and record winning Naga paddy farmer Melhite Kenye (left) during the launch programme at Kohima on Monday. (Morung Photo)

The author Oken Jeet Sandham said that an idea struck him to write a book on the tallest paddy plant after spreading the message about discovery that attracted the attention of various agricultural scientists and government officials and its subsequent landing into the Guinness World Records as the tallest paddy plant in the world. Sandham, said that any rectification or clarification about the content is most welcome, which he said, will be rectified in the future editions.

Melhite Kenye shared the journey of the discovery of the plant. Federation of Working Journalist of Nagaland Convener Narain B. Sagar chaired the programme while Kohima Press Club (KPC) general secretary KPC Khriezovonuo Lhoungu proposed vote of thanks.