A one-day training program on Indigenous Alder-Based Jhum Cultivation was successfully held at Khongka Village, Kiphire District, under the support of the GreenHub X Royal Enfield Conservation Grant 2024, in collaboration with the Dusty Foot Foundation.
The training was organized by N Apong and Ilokali Awomi, the recipients of the conservation grant. In a press release International Border Area Peoples Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO), Chief Functionary, N Apong informed that the event was attended by esteemed guests, including Roots to Branches, Jennifer Liang and Kayia, Youth Involve, Bosco Institute, Jorhat, Assam, Sonal Roshan and Information and Publicity Secretary of the Nagaland Tourism Association, Neichükho-o Nicholas Leno.
Their presence highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and conservation efforts in the region. The initiative marks a crucial step in promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices in the Indo-Myanmar border region of Nagaland.
By providing farmers with essential skills and knowledge, the program aimed to support biodiversity conservation, soil restoration, and enhance community resilience against environmental degradation.
The training was facilitated by an expert with first-hand experience in Alder-Based Jhum Cultivation, Seyiepfulie Sara. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of the ecological and agricultural benefits of incorporating alder trees into jhum cultivation. This practice, traditionally used in Khonoma Village, has proven to be a sustainable alternative to slash-and-burn farming, enhancing soil fertility and reducing deforestation.