Senapati VDVKS distributes items to beneficiaries
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, July 25 2024: Senapati district Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Scheme (VDVKS) handed over various items to beneficiaries during a distribution programme organised by Senapati Forest Division"s divisional forest officer, the implementing agency, at the multipurpose hall here on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering, Senapati deputy commissioner Mamoni Doley said that everyone"s livelihood will be benefited if the initiative is taken up seriously and advised the beneficiaries to avail help of forest department for packaging, marketing and skill.

Encouraging activities of various VDVKS, she said it would generate income from the forest product without harming the nature.

Mao range forest officer Leshiini Kriibve informed that there are 22 VDVKSs and 337 SHGs with 6613 members which are availing benefit of the scheme since 2019.Initially Paomata Block Kendra had 22 SHGs comprising 313 members spread across different villages for pilot run under the Van Dhan programme in Senapati district, she added, while reminding that the programme aims to tap traditional knowledge and skill sets of tribals by adding technology and IT to upgrade it and convert tribal wisdom into a viable economic activity.

She further noted that Senapati district has favourable climatic and weather condition throughout the year to grow various fruit trees such as gooseberry, wild apple, Indian olive, wild mushroom, different kinds of berries, etc., and added that the tribal beneficiaries are trained to add value to wild fruit and plants so as to generate additional income through the scheme.

Altogether 1,800 beneficiaries of six VDVKs from villages including Thingba Khullen, Thingba Khunou, Oinam, Keize, Sajouba, Kalinamai, Rabunamai, Tadubi, New Makhan, Khriidziiphi, Mao Pungdung, Makhan Khuman, Makhan Centre, Lairouching, Maram Kavanam, Kabinam, N'Tazang, Puni Pfosemai, Tiizai, Mayangkhang, Ningthoupham and Mao Taphou received benefits of the scheme including items like weaving loom, pulveriser, foil sealing machine, dehydrator, hand sealing machine, steel container, kitchen basket, kitchen tub, mixer grinder, stove with regulator and pipe, packaging materials, etc.

The programme was attended by Senapati forest department officials, Senapati DFO Shanngam S, additional SP T Haokip, SDO S Lunguiba Thangal and others.

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