Mokokchung, October 28 (MTNews): The Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church (Mission) in partnership with Mokokchung Forest Division, Wildlife Division-Dimapur and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mokokchung held a one day seminar on Natural Farming and Wildlife Conservation on October 28 under the theme One World, One life.
In her keynote address, Divisional Forest Officer Dr. Sentitula, IFS emphasized the importance of protecting wildlife in order to practice natural farming. She noted that the northeast is a part of central Asia and the East Asian Australasian Flyway for birds during their annual migration which takes place in order to escape the harsh northern winters.
She then pointed out that hundreds of bird species begin to migrate through Nagaland state at the beginning of September, and as a result, there is a lot of pressure for illegal hunting in the state. It is also relevant to state that hunting of all kinds is punishable under Wild Life Protection Act 1972, she added.
She went on to explain how the dragon flies, locusts, grasshoppers, termites, beetles, and other insects that migratory birds eat help to keep the population of insects in check.
She noted how the insect outbreak annually destroys hundreds of millions of rupees’ worth of agricultural and forestry products, adding, “In other parts of the country nest boxes are made for the birds, thereby pests are controlled without economic, health, and environmental cost.” She maintained that in order to practice natural farming, the wildlife needs to be conserved.
Speaking on the topic ‘wildlife conservation’, Range Officer Moamongba said that the presence of wildlife is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. He highlighted the conservation movement in Mokokchung district, making special mention of the Amur falcon’s arrival in the Langpangkong range as early as the 1980s and how the movement has spread far and wide.
The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is one of the most powerful Acts, according to Tokaho Kinimi, IFS, Wildlife Warden, Dimapur, who went on to explain that no individual who commits illegal activities can evade prosecution under this law. Additionally, he stated that those who violate the law will be punished, with the quantum of the punishment varying depending on the species of animal killed or hunted as specified in the schedules of the Wild Life Act.
“Conservation comes with challenges and with sacrifice. We as an individual/ community should discipline ourselves and sacrifice on our part for conservation efforts. The Community Reserve is managed by the villagers themselves and the landholding is with the community,” he said.
Speaking on natural farming, Dr. Keviletsu Khate, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Mokokchung, said that there cannot be natural farming without the forest.
He emphasized that the absence of common salt in the field is the base of turning to natural farming. But he claims that because most farmers use salt in their fields, the soil’s microflora is wiped out, only allowing grasses and brooms to grow.
“The soil has to be used judiciously throughout the year and sufficient nitrogen fixing crops/oilseeds must be planted to maintain nutrients of the soil,” he explained.
C. Bendangonen Jamir, Mission Director, Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church, wrapping up the proceedings of the seminar stated that the mission of the church is to work towards experiencing the fullness of life and that it is a shared responsibility as “humankinds are made co-creator with God almighty.”
“To command and to bless is God’s prerogative and it is the responsibility to seek, to learn and to work towards fullness of life,” he shared.
Earlier, welcome and prayer was pronounced by Rev. T. Lima, Pastor, Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church and an exhortation was given by Jongpongmayu, Village Council member.