A programme under the theme ‘Community Development through Sustainable Livelihood’ was jointly organized, on April 30, by the Department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (DEF&CC), Peren Division and BENAAN Biosphere, a local NGO from Nagaland.
Held at Nchangram Village under Tening, Peren District, the programme was attended by hundreds of people from surrounding villages in which district forest officer, Peren, Dr. Sentitula gave the keynote address on the programme theme.
Pointing out that real development will be experienced only when the community at large becomes economically independent, she encouraged the gathering to work as a community and focus on building sustainable livelihoods.
Stating that the distinctive characteristic of the tribal people is the community, Dr. Sentitula added that the same methods applied to community development wherein people should put their heads together to bring changes in their communities.
The DFO also shared the state Forest Report 2017 wherein Peren district has 87.1% forest cover over its total geographical area.
She also encouraged the local farmers to use science wherever it is sustainable in order to enhance one’s livelihood for community development.
Journalist turned conservationist Along Longkumer spoke on behalf of BENAAN Biosphere where he shared some of the visions and goals of the NGO.
An enlightening talk on Animal Care & Management was given by Dr. Imti from the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie.
A short talk on ‘Work and Worship’ was delivered by C. Bendang Jamir, a trained teacher of Homiletics. Reminding the community members present about the hardworking nature of the Naga forefathers, Jamir stated that “one should not eat if one doesn’t work.”
The official programme included a public interaction which brought out queries and other concerns. Livestock farmers in particular highlighted some of the difficulties they faced due to shortage of medicine and the absence of veterinary personnel to guide them.
Others who spoke included Shuneing, chairman of Nchangram Village Council and Hainlang Hau, member BENAAN Biosphere. Namsibo, Forest Range Officer, Tening chaired the programme while songs and traditional dances were presented by youth and women folk of Nchangram village.
The official programme was followed by free distribution of tree saplings and poultry chicks besides a special animal health care camp was conducted with enthusiastic participation of local livestock farmers after which, free veterinary medicine were also distributed.
Dr. Imti, assistant professor, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, Peren District interacted with livestock farmers, discussed their rearing problems and prescribed medication.