The Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM) distributed tools and equipment under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM) to the Raphaluo Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) at Meluri town on June 24.
Gracing the distribution ceremony, NBHM Chairman Obed Quinker stated that 52 VDVKs have been implemented across all 17 districts of Nagaland, including the Raphaluo VDVK cluster.
PMJVM is a central sector scheme focused on enhancing tribal livelihoods and promoting entrepreneurship within tribal communities.
It aims to achieve this by providing efficient and transparent mechanisms for the production, procurement, processing, and marketing of tribal produce, including Minor Forest Produce (MFP). These initiatives are part of a national effort launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, he said.
Quinker encouraged VDVK members to remain diligent and to utilize government schemes efficiently to ensure tangible benefits.
He stressed the importance of not letting such interventions go to waste and urged all ten Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to work collectively for the welfare of the community.
Further, he urged the participants not to be self-centered but to collaborate with the broader goal of uplifting the state’s economy.
Also speaking on the occasion, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and NSDMA, urged farmers to be committed to hard work and to abandon a “subsidy mindset.”
He highlighted the government’s primary goal of supporting dedicated farmers by providing modern tools and machinery to help double their income.
He also emphasized the importance of reviving the environment through the sustainable use of natural resources.
Er Khuvoi Vese, Deputy Team Leader of NBHM and District In-Charge for Phek, acknowledged the efforts of VDVK leaders and village elders in successfully implementing the Raphaluo VDVK cluster.
He elaborated on the proper utilization of the distributed tools and machinery and shared insights on the way forward for the VDVK initiative.
The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of VDVK members from all ten SHGs, along with Meluri Deputy Commissioner K. Mhathung Tsanglao and other dignitaries.