Intrastate exposure trip: DMU Longleng visits Mokokchung for JFMC exchange programme

The Divisional Forest Office Mokokchung-cum-Divisional Management Unit (DMU) Mokokchung successfully hosted a two-day Intrastate Exposure Trip for the DMU Longleng team from April 15–16, 2025. The programme focused on fostering knowledge exchange between Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and was held at Mongsenyimti (Batch I) and Sungratsu (Batch II) villages.

The 22-member visiting team from Longleng included the RFO-cum-FMU Head, Chepeu Koza, FNGO Team Leader, Livelihood and Documentation Experts, and representatives from six JFMC villages. The primary goal was to share experiences and ideas while observing conservation and livelihood activities carried out under the JICA-funded Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP).

The team visited Mongsenyimti village on April 15, where they were shown projects such as a Water Harvesting Structure (WHS), a community kitchen at Tatar Salang (village court), and EPA support initiatives including furniture for the community hall. An interactive session followed, involving the village council and department officials. Both host and visiting JFMCs exchanged experiences related to community development, SHG activities, EPA/WHS implementation, nursery management, and plantation efforts.

JFMC leaders from Mongsenyimti, Sademmar and Ozungtoshi, also shared valuable insights on record-keeping, leadership responsibilities, and sustaining community involvement. The day concluded with an enriching dialogue that highlighted challenges and best practices.

Sungratsu JFMC warmly welcomed the visiting team on April 16 where, Mopungchuket JFMC and council members also participated. Participants were divided into three groups to explore various project sites. The first group visited an EPA project on water pipe replacement and a model plantation area; they appreciated the well-maintained foot trails leading to the site. The second group examined the WHS and JCC model area, which focuses on conservation. The third group engaged in discussions with SHGs, exchanging experiences on activities, challenges, successes, and financial record maintenance. The SHGs showcased their products, including handmade machines for making Nüoshi from taro leaves.

The session concluded with encouraging words from the RFO-cum-FMU Head of Mokokchung, who urged participants to continue learning and building on shared knowledge. Koza expressed her heartfelt thanks to the host villages and Mokokchung DMU for the enriching exposure trip. The visit served as a valuable platform for collaborative learning, mutual inspiration, and strengthening forest-based community initiatives.

MT