As part of the mid-term review, officials from JICA India — Ishikawa Saya, Representative, and Sushma Sen Adarshi, Development Specialist — visited Mokokchung Division on May 13–14, 2025. They were accompanied by Temjenyapang, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (NFMP, Project Director), Rongsenlemla, IFS, Conservator of Forests (NTC), and Project consultants led by Pravanjan Mohapatra, Team leader, informed a press release.
On May 13, the visiting team was welcomed at Merangkong village where the Merangkong JFMC presented a brief presentation on the activities taken up under the project. During the visit, the SHGs of Merangkong village showcased their ongoing work and achievements, highlighting the various IGA (Income generating activities) and skill development efforts undertaken as part of the project. The JICA Team interacted closely with the SHGs & JFMCs members and appreciated their works and was impressed with their progress, the JICA Team encouraged to make effective and sustainable use of the resources provided, and continue strengthening their efforts.
The Implementation of NFMP-JICA Project has delivered transformative outcomes—reviving degraded ecosystems, boosting rural livelihoods, and strengthening village infrastructure. The collaborative efforts of JFMCs, SHGs, and government departments have established a powerful, scalable model of participatory forest management. By harmonizing ecological restoration with socio-economic resilience, NFMP–JICA has reignited hope across Nagaland. Its success has earned national recognition, including the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024, as a leading example of community-led forestry, informed the press release.
The JICA Team also visited the treatment site-JAF and highly appreciated the positive outcomes seen in the growth of the various trees species planted in the site- Duabanga Grandiflora, Ailanthus altissima, Choerospondias axillaris , Phoebe Sp etc.
On May 14, the JICA Team headed to Aliba village and visited the EPA & WHS Convergence implemented under NFMP project (JICA Assisted Project. The JICA Team remarked the convergence efforts made by the community and various departments on being a flagship activity under NFMP, which has greatly benefitted more than 100 households. The JICA Team also visited Chungtia village and inspected the JFMC Nursery, WHS & EPA and had interactions with JFMCs & SHGs on their challenges faced in the project. The team also inspected the accounts and other registers maintained by the JFMC.
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During the visit to Aliba & Chungtai Village, the JICA Team had a brief discussion with SHGs members regarding their progress and future plans, the main activity taken up by the SHGs does piggery and poultry own to the cost effectiveness and higher profit margin, making it more suitable for the local community. All the SHGs of Aliba & Chungtia have successfully completed their first cycle and the next business plan has already been processed.
The Mokokchung Forest Division successfully restored 4968 Ha across 14 villages through the five models (JAF/JFF/JCF/JCC/PEC), comprising of 1059.313 Ha under Productive models (JAF/JFF/JCF) and 3910.27 Ha under Conservation models (JCC/PEC) planting 9.98.984 saplings (2020-2024).During 2025 it will cover an additional area of 165 ha under under Productive models (JAF/JFF/JCF) and 1124 Ha under Conservation models (JCC/PEC) planting 2,20,767 saplings. There are 42 SHGs formed upto the Batch -3 villages, where all the 42 SHGs have completed the 1st cycle of activity. 22 SHGs are in the 2nd cycle, 14 SHGs are in process for starting the 3rd cycle and 6 SHGs are in the 3rd cycle of activity.
Ecological Gains, according to the press release are:
-4,968 Ha restored (14 villages):
-78.7% under conservation (JCC/PEC)
-9.98 lakh saplings planted (2020–24)
-2.20 lakh targeted for 2025
-Forest Cover Increase: +14.88 sq km
-46.97 sq km → Moderately Dense Forest (MDF)
-31.55 sq km scrub rehabilitated
Conclusively, the visiting team thanked the Host Division for the well planned inspection itinerary and acknowledge the successful implementation of the project activity (forestry intervention, community development, livelihood improvement plans, record keeping & documentation etc.
