Mokokchung, 19 September (MTNews): The Divisional Management Unit (DMU) of Mokokchung Forest Division of the Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), an externally aided project assisted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has embarked on a month-long inspection of plantation sites in Mokokchung district. The project, now in its fourth year of implementation, aims to improve forest ecosystems through rehabilitation of Jhum areas and supporting income generation for the communities.
Plantation and Conservation Activities in 5 Intervention Sites
In Mokokchung district, this project is to be implemented in 18 villages. During the current fiscal year 2023-24, the NFMP has initiated plantation activities and community development programs in Batch-III villages, including Chungtia, Aliba, Longpa, Longkong, and Kelingmen. The project focuses on five intervention models, namely Jhum Agro-Forestry, Jhum Fallow Forestry, Jhum conversion to Forestry, Jhum conversion to Community Conservation Area, and Protection and expansion of Community Conservation Area models.
The area for plantation and conservation covered under this project in the 5 villages during the current year 2023-24 is approximately 1600 hectare, planting and assisting the natural recruits which comes to around 2,50,000 saplings.
Real-Time Monitoring and Convergence Initiatives
One significant milestone achieved by the project is the development of Management Information System (MIS) applications and GIS Mobile Applications, allowing field officials, FNGO teams, and Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC) members to update and upload data and photos from their respective areas in real time.
Dr Sentitula, IFS, the Divisional Forest Officer cum DMU Head of Mokokchung, highlighted the successful convergence efforts. She stated that various convergence activities are being carried out in the villages under entry point activities, including the construction and renovation of village council halls, community kitchen halls, and drinking water facilities in essential locations. One notable achievement has been the implementation of Water Harvesting Structures, ensuring an adequate supply of clean water for households and agricultural activities.
Promising Survival Rates
During the inspection conducted on 18 September 2023, the survival rate of this year’s plantations in Aliba and Chungtia was found to be nearly 80%. In artificial regeneration sites, the plants measured 2 to 3 feet in height, while in natural recruit sites, they reached 5 to 6 feet. These results highlight the dedication of the Joint Forest Management Committees in managing plantation and conservation efforts in all project sites under the scientific guidance of the department.
Successful Implementation and Convergence
The Batch-III villages under Mokokchung DMU have witnessed successful implementation and convergence of the program with village councils and various allied departments. This cooperative effort aims to improve forest ecosystems, enhance livelihoods, and support sustainable forest and environmental conservation in Nagaland.
The Nagaland Forest Management Project continues to make significant strides in its mission to transform forest management and improve the lives of local communities, thereby contributing to sustainable environmental conservation and income generation for the people of Nagaland.