Nagaland Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM), which is one of the implementing agency of Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) scheme, conducted sensitization programme at Seithekema C Village under Chumukedima district on May 25.
VDVK scheme is implemented through the Ministry or Tribal Affairs, government of India supported by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) at different levels. Under the scheme, the VDVK provide skill upgradation and capacity building and setting up of primary processing and value addition facilities.
A press release from NBHM team member Chubanungla Shilu informed that the team was led by NBHM chairman Obed Quinker and team leader Sentiwapang Aier.
At the event, Quinker informed that Seithekema C and its surrounding villages were selected due to the strategic landmark, since the three villages were located at the confluence of two topography.
He said that the area has the potentials for growing and harvesting of both hilly and plain crops.
He said NBHM as the implementing agency has provided the required training and skilling for the beneficiaries and the requisite tools and equipment’s were provided for the beneficiaries of the three villages. He expressed the hope that the scheme will improve the livelihoods of the people in the selected villages.
Delivering keynote address, NBHM team leader Sentiwapang Aier said that TRIFED has come forward to support NBHM, to be one of the implementing agency of the VDVK program after observing the progress and achievements of the mission’s activities.
Sentiwapang also informed that VDVKs of different districts have taken up different activities based on their location and the resources available in their respective areas.
He said Seithkema VDVK cluster villages have taken up value additions of various MFPs as part of their SHG activities. He therefore urged the members of the SHGs to collaborate and calibrate their ideas to suit their environment and their conditions.
Short speech was delivered by VDB secretary of Seithekema‘C’ Alo Rengma, a report on the activities was delivered by VDVK secretary Medeno Angami, which was followed by demonstration session of the tools and equipment’s by Mhathung Tsopoe Team member NBHM and coordinator of TRIFED along with NBHM project assistant Akumyanger.
It may be mentioned that with the support from TRIFED, NBHM has established four Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Chumukedima and Dimapur district, namely Seithekema C VDVK, Ruzaphema VDVK, Indisen-Aoyimkhum VDVK and Bungsang VDVK covering a total of seven villages.
The programme was attended by women members of 10 Self Help Groups from three cluster villages, namely Seithekema ‘C’, Seithekema Old and Seithekema ‘A’. Village council members and GBs of the three villages.