The “Forest and Biodiversity Management in the Himalaya, Nagaland” Project (FBMP), co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW (German Development Bank), is being implemented under Mokokchung Forest Division in the Batch-1 villages, which include Alongkima, Khar, Mongchen, Dibuia, and Waromung.
The objectives of the project include promoting sustainable and effective management of forests and biodiversity in Nagaland, supporting improved connectivity and conservation of biodiversity, creating and enhancing livelihood opportunities for dependent communities, and establishing incentive mechanisms that reward communities for effectively protecting and maintaining their Community Conserved Areas.
A hands-on training session on “Capacity Building for Livelihood Activities” in L6 (Reduced Human-Elephant Conflict through Expanding on Conservation Area) villages was conducted on 17 September 2024 at the Student Library Hall in Khar Village, organized by FBMP, Mokokchung Division. The training involved participants from the Batch-1 villages: Alongkima, Dibuia, Mongchen, Waromung, and Khar.
The program was chaired by Lipokinla Pongen, FcOM, and commenced with an invocation led by Pangerchila, Associate Youth Pastor, Khar. In the keynote address, Moamongba, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Tuli, warmly welcomed all participants and expressed gratitude for their attendance. He highlighted the aims and objectives of the training, emphasizing the importance of empowering participants with livelihood enhancement skills. He appealed to all stakeholders to work earnestly toward improving conservation area management alongside livelihood activities in the Batch-1 villages. Tongpangtemsu, from the Khar Village Council, also delivered a speech encouraging participants to diligently pursue livelihood activities while actively contributing to the community.
This was followed by a technical session covering topics such as mushroom farming, agricultural pest management, eri silkworm rearing, and swine production and management. Dr Martha Chakruno, ACTO (Plant Protection) KVK Mokokchung, led the session, emphasizing the use of high-quality straw for mushroom farming, effective packaging methods, deworming techniques, and chemical use to ensure high-quality mushroom production. She also introduced integrated pest management strategies using cultural, biological, and chemical methods for pest control in cultivation areas. KVK Mokokchung also distributed kharif seeds and feed supplements to all participants to support their agricultural activities.
Nokzenketba, Extension Officer, Sericulture, Mokokchung, and Alem, Sericulture Field Assistant, Mokokchung, presented on successful eri silkworm rearing, highlighting the types of plants essential for feeding to achieve high-quality silk production. The session on swine production and management was conducted by Dr. Ketinaro from the Veterinary Department, Mokokchung. She covered various topics, including breed selection, pig care and management, feeding practices, disease prevention and healthcare, housing management, and care and management of gilts and sows during pregnancy and farrowing. Vaccinations for dogs and cats were also provided as part of the healthcare services during the program.
The event concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Tali, Ao Convergence Expert, DMU, followed by short interviews with participants from each village sharing their training experiences. The program ended with a communal lunch.