Dimapur, May 9 (MExN): Dr. U S Saha, General Manager, NABARD and G. Thangchinkhup, Manager, NABARD paid a visit to Tuensang district from May 5 to 7 and review various developmental projects funded by NABARD through Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS) Tuensang.
A press note received here informed that the developmental programmes implemented through ECS are SHG (micro finance projects) and Integrated Wadi based projects in 8 villages, Rural Marketing Sheds (in Chendang Saddle and Noksen). Under micro finance programmes NABARD sanctioned Rs. 21.50 lakh under Revolving Fund Assistance and SHG Bank Linkage programme.
An interaction with SHGs members was held on May 6 in Tuensang Town Baptist Church with a large gathering of 352 SHGs, among whom 4 SHGs are of people living with HIV. The SHGs are formed into 14 ‘Edous’ (in Chang dialect) or SHG federations. The groups who were formed by ECS in the year 1998 have now a savings corpus of Rs 2 crores and a cumulative loan disbursement of more than Rs 6 crores to the affiliated SHGs.
Dr. U S Saha officially launched a new programme by introducing 30 Joint Liability Groups. A package for economic prosperity and entrepreneurship would be devised for HIV+ SHGs as per NABARD Schemes/Programmes. The officials also visited Wadi Project in Hakchang and Momching funded by NABARD covering 500 families for integrated development of the tribal areas. The project which is implemented in 8 villages covers 500 acres under orange and banana inter-cropped with seasonal crops –ginger, turmeric, maize, etc. During 2009 and 2010, around 70,000 orange trees were planted; each pit dug measured 3’x3’ and 3ft deep.
In his address to the farmers and village council members, Dr U S Saha said; ‘ in just three years the project is estimated to yield around 2000 MT in the first year alone and as such the wadi/onglak farmers should begin planning for marketing and processing the produce’. He also urge the villagers to stop practicing jhum cultivation and look for alternative livelihood as the traditional practice is adversely affecting the environment and cause soil degradation, erosion, water run off and denudation of forest. He further assured that NABARD would stand by ECS and fully support the process pursued by the farmers with economic activities for their prosperity and entrepreneurship development.
On May 7, the General Manager inaugurated a Rural Marketing Unit measuring 150’x13 ft at Chendang Saddle. This was followed by opening of market for sales day by SHG members of five neighbouring villages. After the introductory meeting, members of 21 Farmer’s Clubs promoted by the Chang Baptist Church Association, interacted with GM for their role and prospects. During the tour, officials from Nagaland SCB and SBI also accompanied and discuss with the rural farmers on banking schemes which could be available for farmers, SHG, JLG, etc. particularly the GoI sponsored schemes under Animal Husbandry.
Dr. Chingmak Kejong, Secretary of ECS while appreciating the role of NABARD for its development initiatives, urges for expansion of such activities and introduce new package of development as well in Tuensang district. The Chairmen of various Village Councils were also present and requested NABARD for more developmental initiatives, particularly road connectivity for better marketing.
A press note received here informed that the developmental programmes implemented through ECS are SHG (micro finance projects) and Integrated Wadi based projects in 8 villages, Rural Marketing Sheds (in Chendang Saddle and Noksen). Under micro finance programmes NABARD sanctioned Rs. 21.50 lakh under Revolving Fund Assistance and SHG Bank Linkage programme.
An interaction with SHGs members was held on May 6 in Tuensang Town Baptist Church with a large gathering of 352 SHGs, among whom 4 SHGs are of people living with HIV. The SHGs are formed into 14 ‘Edous’ (in Chang dialect) or SHG federations. The groups who were formed by ECS in the year 1998 have now a savings corpus of Rs 2 crores and a cumulative loan disbursement of more than Rs 6 crores to the affiliated SHGs.
Dr. U S Saha officially launched a new programme by introducing 30 Joint Liability Groups. A package for economic prosperity and entrepreneurship would be devised for HIV+ SHGs as per NABARD Schemes/Programmes. The officials also visited Wadi Project in Hakchang and Momching funded by NABARD covering 500 families for integrated development of the tribal areas. The project which is implemented in 8 villages covers 500 acres under orange and banana inter-cropped with seasonal crops –ginger, turmeric, maize, etc. During 2009 and 2010, around 70,000 orange trees were planted; each pit dug measured 3’x3’ and 3ft deep.
In his address to the farmers and village council members, Dr U S Saha said; ‘ in just three years the project is estimated to yield around 2000 MT in the first year alone and as such the wadi/onglak farmers should begin planning for marketing and processing the produce’. He also urge the villagers to stop practicing jhum cultivation and look for alternative livelihood as the traditional practice is adversely affecting the environment and cause soil degradation, erosion, water run off and denudation of forest. He further assured that NABARD would stand by ECS and fully support the process pursued by the farmers with economic activities for their prosperity and entrepreneurship development.
On May 7, the General Manager inaugurated a Rural Marketing Unit measuring 150’x13 ft at Chendang Saddle. This was followed by opening of market for sales day by SHG members of five neighbouring villages. After the introductory meeting, members of 21 Farmer’s Clubs promoted by the Chang Baptist Church Association, interacted with GM for their role and prospects. During the tour, officials from Nagaland SCB and SBI also accompanied and discuss with the rural farmers on banking schemes which could be available for farmers, SHG, JLG, etc. particularly the GoI sponsored schemes under Animal Husbandry.
Dr. Chingmak Kejong, Secretary of ECS while appreciating the role of NABARD for its development initiatives, urges for expansion of such activities and introduce new package of development as well in Tuensang district. The Chairmen of various Village Councils were also present and requested NABARD for more developmental initiatives, particularly road connectivity for better marketing.
