Correspondent – KOHIMA, MAY 7 (NPN): A Seed Bank and Community Learning Centre was inaugurated on Thursday at Khonoma Kikha Hydro Road under an initiative of the Kevi Organic Society Khonoma, supported by Oil India Limited and implemented by Aaranyak.
Minister for Women Resource Development and Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse, who unveiled the monolith at the programme, lauded the Kevi Organic Society Khonoma for its commendable contribution to the community. She said collective efforts that began at the individual level had gradually evolved into larger cooperative initiatives and expressed confidence that the Seed Bank and Community Learning Centre would benefit society for many years.
Highlighting the role of women in the village, Kruse said their efforts had placed Khonoma ahead in many areas of development. She thanked Aaranyak for initiating the project and described it as a movement towards building a more inclusive, equitable and self-reliant society.
Kruse stated that empowering women through sustainable livelihoods remained one of the most effective ways to strengthen families, communities and the economy. She stressed that such initiatives should not remain only as concepts but must be implemented in practice. She further observed that women still faced challenges in accessing opportunities, resources and financial independence, and said the project marked an important step towards overcoming such barriers.
The minister further informed that the Department of Horticulture had implemented various schemes for plantation and cultivation of horticulture crops in the village and neighbouring areas. However, she urged beneficiaries not to stop at availing schemes but to continue working hard in order to generate sustainable income.
Speaking on the background of the Seed Bank, managing director of Pabhoi Greens Private Limited and associated with Joibik Organics Private Limited, Neelam Dutta, said it was a privilege to establish such an institution in Khonoma that could connect the past with the present and inspire future generations.
Dutta highlighted the contribution of eco-architects Neha and Angul in designing the building using sustainable materials such as bamboo and wood with minimal use of cement. He informed that despite a modest contribution of Rs. 15 lakh, the team successfully constructed a 2,000 square feet facility with significant support from women members of the cooperative.
In a short speech, deputy executive director and head of conservation livelihood division, Aaranyak, Dr. Bibhuti Prasad Lahkar said the Seed Bank and Community Learning Centre would become an important institution not only for Khonoma but for the entire surrounding landscape, considering the village’s significance in biodiversity conservation, agro-ecology and cultural heritage. He expressed concern that indigenous seed varieties were gradually declining and stressed the need for preservation.
Secretary general and executive director of Aaranyak, Dr. Bibhab Kumar Talukdar said the organisation’s association with the project stemmed from the commitment shown by the people of Khonoma and the efforts of Neelam Dutta in promoting organic farming and diversified food systems.
Talukdar stated that Aaranyak’s ultimate goal was to ensure human wellbeing through environmental conservation, clean air and potable water. He added that the motivation for such initiatives had emerged from within the community itself, which gave confidence that the project would continue successfully in the future.
Earlier, dedicatory prayer was offered by senior pastor, Baptist Church Khonoma, Rev. Tsolie Chase. Folk song was presented by Megorüzo Chase and Vipiehu Chücha. Vote of thanks was proposed by Khrielhusieno Sakhrie and benediction pronounced by Parish Priest of St. John The Evangelist Church Khonoma, Rev. Fr. Salas Ngade. The programme was compered by Peleviso Viyie and Asime Sakhrie.
