Kamjong Forest Division conducts advocacy / training programme at Shangshak village
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, March 06 2020:
A two-day district level advocacy cum training programme of Self Help Groups (SHGs) on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and its value addition for Kamjong district began today at Shangshak Phunghon CFC Hall.
The project Van Dhan Vikas Kendra seeks to improve tribal incomes through value addition of non-timber forest products.
Gaithaolu Thaimei, Nodal Officer, TRIFED, who attend the programme as chief guest, spoke about the main objective of formation Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.
It is a livelihood project that aims to generate income of the forest dwellers and further inculcate the mindset of forest conservation and protect wildlife in their respective villages, she said.
Stating that the State Government has established 77 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, Gaithaolu continued that SHGs have to gather and collect wild fruit and add value by processing, packaging and branding for marketing.
The products should be fixed at a reasonable and affordable price, she added.
Mentioning that broom made by the tribal people, which is also an NTFP product, are highly demanded outside the State, she urged the villagers to plant NTFPs within 5 km radius to save time during collection.
DFO Kamjong, Mahamuda Begum mentioned that altogether 6 clusters with 75 SHGs in Kamjong district have been constituted for promoting rural entrepreneurs.
She also said that processing and marketing of non-timber product is one of the fastest means to increase the rural income substantially.
The DFO also urged the SHGs to submit their progress reports in time and warned that any SHG showing negligence to the project would be cancelled anytime.
Later, the chief guest distributed cheque and materials required for the project to all the SHGs.
The training programme is being organised by Kamjong Forest Division and sponsored by TRIFED.