‘FOCUS project strengthened Nagaland’s farming systems’
Agriculture Production Commissioner Wezope Kenye said the FOCUS project in Nagaland marks a pioneering step to strengthen farming systems-improve incomes across the state
- DIMAPUR — Agriculture Production Commissioner
(APC) & Mission Director of the FOCUS (Fostering Climate Resilient Upland
Farming System in the Northeast) project in Nagaland, Wezope Kenye, on Tuesday
said that the project marks a pioneering step to strengthen farming systems and
improve agricultural incomes across the state.
- The mission director also said that the FOCUS project has
laid a strong foundation for further sectoral development and institutional
growth.
Wezope Kenye addressing the participants at the project
completion workshop of FOCUS Nagaland in Kohima on Tuesday.
- Kenye was addressing the FOCUS project completion workshop
held at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima, a DIPR report stated.
- He mentioned that the state government recognises
agriculture as a critical driver of economic progress, food security, and rural
development.
- “With over 70% of our population reliant on agriculture for
their livelihoods, this project has been instrumental in initiating
transformative change. It has not only enhanced income generation opportunities
but has also built climate resilience and empowered farming communities to
adapt and thrive,” he said.
- He informed that the project commenced on January 25, 2018,
and was originally scheduled to conclude by March 31, 2024. However, the
unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an
extension.
- Yet the project reached an impressive 645 villages across 9
districts, directly benefiting approximately 1,18,000 households, covering
nearly 89% of the target group, Kenye said.
