Mokokchung and Mon DMUs collaborate to strengthen community-led development

A two-day “Intrastate Exposure Trip of JFMCs” program was held between DMU Mokokchung and DMU Mon at Changtongya Beat on April 11-12, 2025. The program focused on the activities carried out under Changtongya Beat to oversee the progress of the NFMP (Nagaland Forest Management Project). The Divisional Forest Office Mokokchung, along with the Divisional Management Unit Mokokchung, hosted the DMU Mon team. The visiting team consisted of 39 members, including ACF, RO, JFMC, and SHG representatives.

DMU Mokokchung welcomed the DMU Mon team with a greet-and-meet introductory program, and the teams were divided into two groups.

On April 7, 2025, the first team visited Yaongyimsen, where they inspected the EPA site and JAF Model. They praised the Yaongyimsen JFMC for its successful plantation under the JAF Model, which had a survival rate of 80%, and interacted with the Yaongyimsen JFMC. The JFMC of Mon commended the remarkable positive contributions of the community.

The second team visited Merangkong village, starting with a thorough inspection of the EPA (Entry Point Activity) and then the JFMC (Joint Forest Management Committee) Nursery. The Mon DMU expressed significant admiration for the high-tech nursery facilities at Merangkong, highlighting the innovative approaches employed. During the visit, JFMC members from both divisions engaged in a productive exchange of ideas and methodologies on seedling cultivation and nursery maintenance. The team concluded their visit by inspecting all five models implemented in Merangkong village, gaining valuable insights into the village’s sustainable development initiatives.

On April 12, 2025, an interactive session was held between SHGs from Mon Division and Changtongya New village as part of a knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at empowering rural communities through livelihood activities. The program provided a platform for SHG members to exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

The SHGs from Changtongya showcased their achievements in areas such as weaving, piggery, and food processing. They shared detailed insights into their production techniques, marketing strategies, and profit margins, inspiring the visiting team with their innovative approaches and efficient group dynamics.

In turn, SHGs from Mon district presented their ongoing livelihood ventures, which include piggery, cattle rearing, and the collection and marketing of local produce such as pan (betel) leaves and ginger. The Mon team emphasized their sustainable practices and community-based models for income generation.

Lastly, the ADMU Head of Mon, FMU Head, JFMC representatives, FNGO (IGA Expert), and DMU staff expressed their gratitude to DMU Mokokchung for the insights and knowledge gained during the visit.

MT