Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) held its seventh annual review meeting at the Community Hall in Marepkong to evaluate project activities conducted throughout 2025 and 2026. Representatives from all 18 project villages, including members from Joint Forest Management Committees and Self Help Groups, participated in the gathering to share progress and plan for the year ahead.
EAC Chuba Sanen represented the district administration and praised the contributions of local villagers. He encouraged participants to use these meetings as a primary venue to communicate their specific challenges and resource needs to ensure better coordination. During the session, officials from the Mokokchung Range and Changtongya Beat provided detailed reports on past operations and outlined their operational targets for the upcoming season.
Technical experts offered strategic advice for the project's long-term success. Senior Scientist Kevi Khate of KVK Mokokchung suggested that Self Help Groups should explore Geographical Indication tagging for their unique products to increase market value. Lipokonen, Joint Director of SARS, recommended that the groups seek FSSAI registration to improve market access for food-based goods. He further noted that the administration remains focused on the future, adding: "I advised continuation of nursery and plantation activities beyond the project period."
Discussions also covered financial growth and sustainability. Akumtoshi, leader of the Nagaland Development Outreach team, announced an increase in revolving fund support to Rs 2 lakh per Self Help Group to help sustain livelihood ventures. Meanwhile, FMU head Sashilemla emphasized the importance of operationalizing the Forest Sustainability Fund to maintain the project's impact long after its official conclusion.
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