The Annual Review Meeting of the Divisional Management Unit Wokha, under the Nagaland Forest Management Project for the Financial Year 2023-24, was held on Tuesday at the Forest Colony Community Hall, Wokha.
The meeting aimed to highlight extensive overview of the JICA project’s activities of the past year such as spotlighting progress, success stories, livelihood initiatives, and developmental strides in the district, as well as addressing challenges encountered and showcasing collaborative efforts between villages and the department.
The Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMC), Village Council chairmans, and SHG members from fourteen villages within the Wokha district participated in the Annual Review Meeting.
Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh, Senior Scientist & Head ICAR- Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, shared valuable insights into the concept of integrated farming systems. He highlighted the significant benefits of such systems which bring together various aspects of agriculture like livestock, crops, fish, and trees to collectively enhance productivity and sustainability.
He spoke on the drawbacks associated with jhum cultivation, particularly its long-term impact on future generations and called for collaborative efforts to restore jhum lands. Dr Deshmukh stressed the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reforestation to mitigate these hazards.
Addressing a pressing concern, he pointed out India’s low ranking of 111 out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index and stressed the urgent need to tackle nutritional deficiencies through innovative farming and agricultural practices.
Furthermore, Dr Deshmukh called for increased cooperation between Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and the Forest department to improve farmers’ livelihoods and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the agricultural sector.
The Annual Review Meeting witnessed comprehensive presentations and discussions on various aspects pertaining to forestry and community development such as updates on the status and progress of activities within their respective areas presented by FMU Heads, Grace Kikon, RFO Wokha Range, and Lansothung Lotha, RFO Doyang Beat.
Mhathung Lucas Humtsoe, IEC, Capacity Building & Documentation Expert shared insights into the status of Web GIS / MIS & Mobile application development. He also shared documentation on best practices and success stories under DMU Wokha.
Mhabemo Lotha, M&E and Convergence Expert, highlighted convergence activities aiming at enhancing coordination among different initiatives. He also presented on DMU Inspection & Monitoring activities.
Mhonbemo Patton, Accounts Assistant presented the Audit Report, ensuring transparency in financial matters.
Ethel Odyuo, Team Leader, FNGO, Natural Nagas discussed the status and progress of FNGO for the FY 2023-2024.
Abeno Ovung, Planning & Livelihood Expert, elaborated on livelihood activities that aims at improving community well-being. She also presented the Annual Work Plan for the upcoming year, outlining objectives and strategies.
Presentations were also delivered by JFMC Presidents and SHG Presidents of Batch I, II, & III villages highlighting grassroots involvement in forest management.
Siechutho Katiry, ADMU, discussed the achievements and challenges encountered during the year 2023 till 2024.
Representative of DC Wokha, Anuranjan Singh, District Skill Development Officer, delivered comments and suggestions.
The meeting, overseen by Suman W M Sivachar, IFS, DFO cum DMU Head, Wokha Forest Division, was facilitated under his moderation. Additionally, he delivered the closing remarks as well.
