Van Dhan Vikas Kendras launched and machinery distributed in Ighanumi, Iphonumi, and Ghathashi by the NBHM and TRIFED.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) launching and distribution of machinery and tools sponsored by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with the Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), took place in multiple locations on March 20.
The programmes for Ighanumi VDVK, Iphonumi VDVK, and Ghathashi VDVK were held at the community halls of Ighanumi village, Iphonumi village, and Ghathashi town, respectively, stated an update.
Y Vikheho Swu, former Minister of the Public Works Department (PWD) and current President of the Naga People's Front (NPF) Farmers Wing Nagaland, attended as the special guest the programme at Ighanumi.
In his speech, Swu urged the community members to continue to foster the spirit of cordiality and stakeholders to inculcate the spirit of 'work and eat', making concerted efforts for the optimal production and export of their products to local, regional, and national markets.
He impressed upon the VDVK members to utilise the machinery and tools provided by NBHM for optimal benefits and not keep them as showpieces.
Also read: Livestock insurance vital for Nagaland farmers — Secy. Tajen
Registration drive for persons with disabilities underway across Dimapur
Swu pointed out that the Ghathashi area, including Ighanumi and Iphonumi villages, is a productive belt where organic products can be grown and produced in plenty. He mentioned some progressive entrepreneurs from the Ghathashi area who are capable of producing honey, soybeans, coffee, and monkey beans in plenty for marketing. He noted that it is high time to tap rich minor forest products like gooseberries and wild apples, as highlighted in the VDVK programme.
He stressed the need and importance of targeting large production for the community to maintain their surplus income and livelihood, as envisaged by the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, targeting one district, one crop.
As a result, he said that the community and stakeholders from Ighanumi and Iphonumi villages and Ghathashi town should aim to be the centre of excellence and production centre for livestock and agro-horticulture-based products. He encouraged them to target being the best village council, the cleanest village always, and Ghathashi to be the best town in the state with par excellence in education, social, and all-round development.
Nzanbemo Kikon, team member of NBHM, highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) schemes under which the VDVK programme is implemented in Nagaland, with NBHM as one of the implementing agencies in the state.
The objective of VDVK is to empower tribal communities through the collection of minor forest produce (MFP) and by promoting value addition to forest produce, improving income generation opportunities, and enhancing their socio-economic status. VDVK is a community-run centre that supports value addition, processing, packaging, and marketing of forest, agriculture, horticulture, handicraft, and handloom products.
He further noted that the ultimate goal is to triple tribal incomes and promote self-reliance.