‘FOCUS project strengthened Nagaland’s farming systems’

• 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.
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• 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.

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• Kenye was addressing the FOCUS project completion workshop held at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima, a DIPR report stated.
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• He mentioned that the state government recognises agriculture as a critical driver of economic progress, food security, and rural development.
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• “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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• The project also led to the creation and strengthening of vital agricultural and allied infrastructure, improved market access, and played a transformative role in enhancing rural livelihoods and local economies, he said.

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• The official added that the project invested in key infrastructure such as market access facilities, community seed banks, and crucial logistical assets like refrigerated vans, ensuring long-term support to farming communities.
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• Commending the “significant milestone” achieved, the mission director attributed the success of the project to shared vision, collaborative spirit, and the determination of all stakeholders.
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• He further informed that the FOCUS represents the first Externally Aided Project (EAP) in the agriculture sector of Nagaland implemented in partnership with the IFAD.
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• State Project Director of FOCUS, Ramnikant Kumar, in his address, said that the workshop marks not just the conclusion of a project, but the culmination of years of collaboration, dedication, and tireless efforts towards transforming upland farming systems in Nagaland.
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• Giving a brief introduction about the project, he stated that the project duration was for six years and with the objective to develop, demonstrate and upscale sustainable land and crop management practices in 645 villages across 8 districts of Nagaland and to increase agricultural income of 1,18,000 households.
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• Kumar disclosed that over six years, the project reached 86% of targeted households (102,245 HHs) through interventions like improved jhum practices, value chain development, and market access facilities.
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• The project has also created a comprehensive knowledge repository, developing technical materials, community procurement guidelines, land resource maps, surveys, assessments, and datasets for agriculture and allied sectors, he said.
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• Additionally, he encouraged the participants to view the workshop not just as a conclusion, but as a platform for learning and exchange, and “a space to build from this foundation for the future of agriculture and rural livelihoods in Nagaland.”
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• Earlier, Country Programme Analyst, IFAD CO, Piyush Kanal, presented a slide deck highlighting on the activities of the project.