Dimapur, December 22 (MExN): A programme to study policy on shifting cultivation, policy gaps and socio economic status of Jhum farmers have been undertaken jointly by the Soil & Water Conservation Department and UNDP-Global Environment facility, which is expected to make a thorough study of the jhum cultivation in the state.
A press release informed that the UNDP-GEF Dr. Murali, while speaking today at a workshop at Hotel Saramati on the topic ‘Sustainable Land Management in Shifting Cultivation Area of Nagaland’, said that the studies will help to focus Jhum as reliable and regenerative, and it will include comprehensive and innovative ideas to tackle shifting cultivation; improving the livelihood of the rural community and enhancement of the total productivity of crops.
Besides, it will also address the importance of managing ecosystem as a whole and the effect of the food chain of various life forms including wildlife.
Dr Murali said that the programme will project on the causes of land degradation such as unsustainable agricultural practices, unsustainable water management, deforestation, global climate phenomena and industrial activities.
“Generally it speaks of conservation of natural resource of which India is one of the signatures. India is the first country to set up semi arid and arid research centres which show country’s commitment and concern for the land degradation. The land cannot be increased so the quality of the soil cannot be compromised,” the release quoted Dr Murali.
Dr Murali said that Global Environment facility is a financial mechanism for three keys issue of Earth summit and has accommodate over $3 billion, the release informed.
The Director of Soil & Water conservation R.T. Asang Jamir, in his introductory speech, stressed on the environmental degradation in the North East Region of the country owing to shifting cultivation, logging and other various unsustainable practices by the farming community. He said that unless immediate alternative to jhuming is evolved, the livelihood of the farming community will be threatened and so as biodiversity of the region, the release stated
The Secretary, Soil & Water conservation Dr. K. Chuba IAS, while welcoming the officials from UNDP-GEF and other Agencies, said this “Sustainable Land Ecosystem Management” programme of UNDP-GEF as the first of its kind in the North East will be the key issue in the coming years for the Agri & Allied sector and thus requested Departmental officials to be sincere to bring out project documentation by the end of Feb. 2008.
During the technical session Dr. Murali, programme coordinate UNDP-GEF dwelt on documentation and data generation on “sustainable Land management and Livelihood security.” Dr. B. Rath, Joint commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture on “Data collection process in shifting cultivation areas and Mr. E.M. Koshy, Director, Agriculture & Organic farming Group India on project implementation and organic farming & marketing, the release further added.
