Kiphire sees new rural development initiatives

P Bulte, Temsuwati Longkumer, and others during the flagging off of two mobile vans for Amahator MPCS and Saramati Beru Area MPCS in Kiphire on May 22.

• DIMAPUR — The general manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), P Bulte, inaugurated a series of rural development and livelihood enhancement projects across Kiphire district on May 22.
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• According to an update, among the projects, Temsuwati Longkumer, Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, attended as the special guest and formally inaugurated the JIVA Natural Farming Project at Amahator village.
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• Bulte, in his address on the occasion, stated that the JIVA Project on Natural Farming is a pilot initiative to promote chemical-free agriculture for year-round cultivation and green cover, contributing to sustainable food security through capacity building, conservation of heritage seed banks, and integration of animals and fisheries.

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• The project also engages women and marginal farmers in promoting dietary diversity and mushroom cultivation. He added that continued support would depend on farmers' discipline and commitment to training and practice.
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• The DC assured all possible support from the administration to create a sustainable natural farming model, as agriculture is the backbone of the economy.
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• Under the JIVA project, enhancement of the local circular economy through marketing and certification under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), as per Government of India guidelines, is emphasised.
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• Sethrichem Sangtam, managing director of Better Life Foundation, the implementing agency, stressed the importance of certification and recognition of naturally grown produce.
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• The inauguration ceremony was also attended by NABARD assistant general manager Dr. Imsunaro and district development manager Yanger Imchen, district horticulture officer Senti, as well as EAC Amahator, village councils, and hundreds of community members.
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• These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen the rural economy and infrastructure, and enhance income opportunities for marginal families in the region.
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• The general manager of NABARD also inaugurated the Gram Dukan for self-help groups (SHG) for marketing of multipurpose cooperative societies (MPCS) and SHG produce. Along with the DC Kiphire, he flagged off two mobile vans for Amahator MPCS and Saramati Beru Area MPCS.
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• Longkumer, in the presence of Bulte, also laid the foundation stone for the Rural Haat at Kiphire town. Longdiba L Sangtam, ADC and administrator of Kiphire Town Council, was present. Sethrichem mentioned that the Rural Haat will accommodate 30 women vegetable vendors with a storage godown and organised waste management facilities.
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• Additionally, 40 newly installed streetlights in Kiphire town were inaugurated by the DC Kiphire in the presence of the general manager of NABARD and other government officials and members of civil society.