Participants during the two-day intra-state JFMC exposure
visit.
DIMAPUR — A
two-day intra-state exposure visit was conducted for members of the joint
forest management committees (JFMCs), Nagaland Forest Management Project
(NFMP), Mokokchung, hosted by the Divisional Management Unit (DMU), Mon, on
April 23 and April 24.
According to an update, the JFMCs were accompanied by the
DMU Mokokchung, self-help groups (SHGs) of various JFMC villages, and the
partner FNGO team under Mokokchung.
As part of the exposure activity, the 32 participants
visited forestry intervention models, interacted with fellow JFMC members, and
observed community livelihood initiatives and resource management.
The team was welcomed at JFMC Tanhai village under the Field
Management Unit, Naginimora, with a brief presentation and interactive session,
followed by a division into two groups for field visits to the JAF and JCF
treatment areas, the JFMC nursery, and EPA sites.
Meanwhile, SHGs exchanged experiences, showcased their
products, and demonstrated crafts such as car charms, which were particularly
appreciated by the visiting team. As part of the successful field visit,
saplings such as Sam, Bonsum, and Mekai were also distributed to the visiting
team for experimental cultivation in JFMC villages under Mokokchung.
In the second leg, the team visited Lampong Sheanghah
village, observing the effective use of the marketing shed and forestry
interventions. SHGs again engaged in knowledge sharing and explored
opportunities for collaboration.
On the final day at JFMC Totok Chingnyu village, the team
observed the JAF and JCF treatment models and acknowledged the positive
outcomes seen in the growth of Shorea assamica under various treatment models.
During the feedback session, all members shared their
insights, expressing that the exposure visit provided valuable learning
opportunities for them.
FMU head, Mokokchung, Sashimenla, praised the gap-filling
activity, calling it a great success in the JCF model at Totok Chingnyu, but
also advised maintaining proper spacing between the plantations in the
treatment area to avoid overcrowding of saplings.
She lauded the efficient use of EPAs in JFMCs Chi, Lampong
Sheanghah, and Tanhai. Furthermore, she commended the JFMC and WATSAN Committee
of JFMC Totok Chingnyu for their convergence efforts, a part of the flagship
activity under NFMP, by creating pipeline provisions through the Jal Jeevan
Mission to more than 100 households, which has greatly benefitted the NFMP
village. She further encouraged the field staff and JFMCs to continue their
commendable work.
The visiting FNGO team leader, Dr. Akumtoshi, commended the
communities and expressed appreciation for the diligent efforts of the SHGs in
all three villages. He also advised the SHGs to concentrate on a single primary
activity to increase product value, such as value addition, to improve their
livelihood and market potential, citing examples from Mokokchung SHGs.
The feedback session was also addressed by the DMU
head-cum-divisional forest officer, Mon, Tokugha Chophy, where he reiterated
the core objectives of the NFMP-JICA, emphasising the importance of forest
conservation for societal and health benefits and the role of forests in
combating climate change and global warming.
