Our Correspondent
Kohima, Sep. 29 (EMN): Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs (UD and MA), Dr. Neikiesalie Kire on Thursday stressed on the need for self-sufficiency and in this regard ushered the citizens for a positive approach.
He was addressing the culmination programme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-Watershed Development Component (WDC) erstwhile Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) of batch 4, 5 and 6 (Project 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) held at Chatsa, in Kohima.
Kire observed that there is a massive movement in coffee plantation in the state and lauded the effort of the department of Land Resources. He urged the people to strategise to upscale the same.
He maintained that Nagas are negative-minded, saying that some ‘comments’ degrade those working hard. He stated that due appreciation should be given in order to encourage the people.
Further, he urged the participants to work consistently, saying that Nagaland’s coffee is now the ‘best coffee in the world’. He encouraged the people to take up coffee plantations wherever it is suitable as it has huge demand.
Towards this, the advisor opined that with increase in production, the income of the people could also be increased.
Kire also called for effort, regardless of awards and recognitions, as it will take some time to achieve self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, the joint director of Land Resources department, Vanchamo Ngullie, opined that there’s a huge potential in the state in tune with the department’s motto ‘Waste to Wealth’.
Stating that many projects come and go, he said Nagas are ‘lazy and money-minded’; have the mentality of only receiving and seeking and not using resources judiciously.
The official urged the participants to be consistent in their effort, saying that the department has been relentlessly working for the welfare of the people of the state.
He informed that the department would be concentrating 70% of Watershed Development Fund (WDF) for permaculture in schools to give hands-on training to children in Kohima district and therefore sought support and co-operation.
Meanwhile, district project officer, Kohima, Dr. Menuosietuo Tseikha, stated that the project was implemented in 43 villages in the batch that had culminated and that the main objective of watershed was to recharge the depleting groundwater and to maintain ecological balance.
He said that the project received a mixed reaction but the villages that had started early have started to harvest and more villages would harvest soon.
The official stated that the department is focusing on three Es- ecological balance, environment protection and economy. In this regard, he said 42 lakh plus saplings of coffee were planted.
He added that as an exit policy in view of the culmination programme and way forward, the department is adopting permaculture in schools in Kohima district to instil work culture among school children; that permaculture/ kitchen garden model is doing well, wherein a school at Viswema village had won an award for the same.