PMKSY-WDC Batch III culminates in Wokha

Officials and participants during the culmination programme of PMKSY- WDC IWMP-V & VI under Batch III at Town hall, Wokha on February 28. (DIPR Photo)

Wokha, February 28 (MExN): The Department of Land Resources organized a culmination programme of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana- Watershed Development Component (PMKSY- WDC) (erstwhile IWMP) IWMP-V & VI under Batch III at Town hall, Wokha on February 28 with Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha as the special guest.

Addressing the culmination function, the DC said, the department has introduced such scheme and projects to assist farmers with the vision of extending the coverage of irrigating, improving water use efficiency and to promote livelihood for the farming community. He stated such projects are introduced to encourage the farmers to show them ways to improve their livelihood where he urged all to extend cooperation to the department by way of improving the projects and schemes undertaken in their villages and avail the benefits.

“Our land is blessed with rich resources,” the DC said and appealed to the farmers to innovate new ideas by taking up scientific method of farming and make proper use of the land for sustainability.

Joint Director, Land Resources, Nagaland, Albert Ngullie said this programme was started in 2011-12 which covers 26 villages under three blocks in the district. Lauding the farming community for the support extended during the project period he further urged them to take up steps and continue giving more effort for their sustainability.

He also urged them to strictly follow the exit protocol guideline covered under this project. Stating more major programmes are coming up, he  called for same type of support for successful implementation of the programmes. 

Stressing on the guidelines, he further asked them to constitute Watershed Management Board for proper maintenance of records, accountability as well as transparency.

Members from watershed committee who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the Department of Land Resources for introducing several programmes, projects and schemes which have empowered the lives of the farmers. He added that the farmers have benefited a lot through the many projects taken up in their areas/villages.

According to DPO, Wokha the successful projects under this schemes in the district are Rubber, Coffee and Areca nut plantation, where 900 plus households tapping rubber are yielding an income of more than Rs 20 crores annually according to 2019 census.

Later, the special guest handed over the WDF & Guideline documents to the beneficiaries. Under WDF an amount of Rs.40.82.299/- was handed over to 26 villages.

The function was chaired by District Project Officer, Wokha Tepunol Yore while vote of thanks was proposed by WDT member, Eyingberni.