Dimapur, Sep. 1 (EMN): On the last day of its technical mission, team of officials from the World Bank made a courtesy call to the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio, on September 1 and apprised him on their field visit to Boke-Botsa, Naga Integrated Settled Farming (NiSF) and jhum field in Tseminyu district.
A DIPR report stated that the World Bank officials have appreciated the traditional knowledge and practices at Boke-Botsa, which was unique and could be emulated and replicated as one of the best practices. The team also appreciated the prompt response of the state core and technical team led by the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), government of Nagaland.
On the observation made by the World Bank team, the chief minister advised the bank officials to assist in creating a sustainable design and also to work out strategies for the implementation process of the project by incorporating an appropriate holistic landscape approach. To achieve a settled agriculture and other income generating activities, Rio has stressed on the availability of sufficient water source. He, therefore, stated that water management component for hilly areas should be included during the planning phase.
Rio also added that enabling access to market to reduce dependency on imports would be a critical factor that would enhance the livelihood and sustainability of the stakeholders.
The World Bank officials also met the Nagaland Chief Secretary, J Alam, at his office’s conference hall. The chief secretary advised that if the project is taken up in an integrated and cluster approach, the activities would be self-sustainable.
He also pointed out that social capital is strong in the state and could be utilised to the best advantage for ELEMENT project. While pointing out that water is an issue in the state, Alam has suggested that water management and conservation should be addressed.
Later, the World Bank team paid a courtesy visit to the minister of Agriculture and Cooperation, G Kaito Aye.
The day ended with a wrap-up meeting to discuss the way forward between the World Bank technical mission team and the core and technical committee of ELEMENT, Nagaland, at the conference room of the APC.