The 7th Annual Review Meeting of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), DMU Mokokchung, was held at the Community Hall, Marepkong, to review activities undertaken during 2025–26. The meeting marked the seventh annual review since the project began in 2020.
The programme was chaired by Community Mobiliser, FNGO, Miss Akumlila. It was attended by representatives of Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 18 project villages. Officials present included EAC Mokokchung, Chuba Sanen, Joint Director SARS, Lipokonen, and Senior Scientist, KVK Mokokchung, Kevi Khate.
DFO-cum-DMU Head Mokokchung, Rajesh Kumar (IFS), welcomed participants and presented key recommendations from the mid-term review conducted by JICA officials. He outlined the future course of action for the remaining project period and encouraged SHGs to move beyond primary livelihood activities towards value addition for improved income generation.
JFMC and SHG representatives presented village-wise activities undertaken with project support and shared field experiences. Officials from Mokokchung Range and Changtongya Beat also reviewed works carried out during the year and presented proposed plans for the current year.
Team Leader, Nagaland Development Outreach, Akumtoshi, highlighted SHG promotion and capacity-building initiatives. He urged SHGs to strengthen livelihood activities, noting the enhanced revolving fund support of Rs 2 lakh per SHG.
FMU Head Mokokchung, Sashilemla, emphasized the need to operationalise the Forest Sustainability Fund and encouraged JFMCs to take necessary initiatives for long-term project sustainability. ACF and Changtongya Beat In-charge, Moamongba, outlined revised forestry models and stressed the need to expand coverage areas to meet project targets.
Speaking on behalf of the district administration, EAC Chuba Sanen appreciated village-level efforts and encouraged participants to use such platforms to share challenges for better coordination. Senior Scientist KVK Mokokchung, Kevi Khate, suggested exploring GI tagging for unique SHG products. Joint Director SARS, Lipokonen, appreciated awareness generated under the project and recommended continuation of nursery and plantation activities beyond the project period. He also suggested facilitating FSSAI registration for SHGs to improve market access.
