DFO Kpi launches VDVK, distributes tool kits to 45 SHGs
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, August 18 2021:
In line with the observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Divisional Forest Officer, Kangpokpi launched another three Van Dhan Vikas Kendra (VDVK) under Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) today at Kangpokpi District Headquarters.
Three Van Dhan Vikas Kendra namely, Keithelmanbi VDVK, Buning VDVK and Ningthoupham VDVK were launched during an 'Advocacy cum tool kit distribution to Self Help Groups on value addition of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs)' held at the Multipurpose hall, DC office, Kangpokpi.
Earlier, DFO Kangpokpi had already launched three Van Dhan Vikas Kendra such as Hengbung VDVK, T Waichong VDVK and Konsakhul VDVK last year.
Johnson Meitei, MCS, Additional District Magistrate, Kangpokpi graced the 'Advocacy cum tool kit distribution to SHGs on value addition of NTFPs' as chief guest while Chinpilhing Kipgen, DFO Kangpokpi and Th Lhingkhonei, Additional CEO SHADC Kangpokpi attended as president and guest of honour respectively.
In her keynote address, Chinpilhing Kipgen said that VDVK is an initiative of TRIFED under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs with the objectives to promote Tribal enterprise through value addition, branding and marketing of forest produce.
It targets livelihood generation for the tribal population by harnessing the wealth of forest and to improve tribal incomes through value addition of forest produce, she added.
The DFO continued that PMVDY is quite unique in that instead of superimposing new skills for livelihood promotion, it seeks to use traditional skills, upgrading the same through technology and market intelligence.
She also said that among many Indian states, Manipur, in particular, has emerged as the champion state where the Van Dhan programme has become a major source of employment for the tribals.
Chinpilhing Kipgen further mentioned that the Self Help Groups shall be imparted training in value addition, branding and marketing while adding that she would strictly monitor the functioning of the Self Help Groups.
Later, a huge quantity of tool kits was also distributed after the advocacy programme.
Toolkits and equipment were provided to 45 Self Help Groups under the 3 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra.
The 3 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVK ) comprised 900 members from 45 SHGs of about 20 villages.
Toolkits and equipment including cylinders with connection, Gas burner, storage box, sealing machine, weighing balance, mixer grinder, fruit basket, pressure cooker, SS flat bottom saucepan with lid, SS Kadhai, Turpolin, knife sets, spoon set, stainless steel strainer, flour sieve, plastic measuring bucket, apron with head gear, jumbo box, etc were distributed to the SHGs.