Tribes are best conservator of forests: DFO
Source: Chronicle News Service

Kangpokpi, August 18 2021: In connection with observance of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Kangpokpi divisional forest launched three Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Prad-han Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) at the district headquarters on Wednesday.

The Kendras namely Keithelmanbi, Buning and Ningthoupham VDVKs were launched during an 'advocacy cum toolkit distribution to self-help groups on value addition of non-timber forest products (NTFPs)' held at the multipurpose hall of Kangpokpi DC office.

Last year, DFO Kangpokpi launched three VDVKs at Hengbung, T Waichong and Konsakhul.

Kangpokpi additional district magistrate Johnson Meitei attended the programme as chief guest while DFO Chinpilhing Kipgen and additional CEO SHADC Th Lhingkhonei were president and guest of honour respectively.

In her keynote address, Chinpilhing Kipgen explained that Van Dhan Vikas Kendra 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 as well as augment livelihood generation for the tribal population by harnessing the wealth of forest and to improve tribal incomes through value addition of forest produce.

She continued that PMVDY is quite unique that instead of superimposing new skills for livelihood promotion, it seeks to use traditional skills, upgrading the same through technology and market intelligence.

The DFO further said that among many Indian states, Manipur has emerged as the champion state as the Van Dhan programme has become a major source of employment for the tribals.

She also mentioned that tribes are the best conservator of forests, if only the forest can sustain them and the symbiotic relationship between tribes and forests needs to be appreciated and encouraged.

Dr Johnson Meitei also spoke on the occasion.

After the advocacy programme culminated, a huge quantity of toolkit was distributed.

Toolkit and equipment were provided to 45 self-help groups under the three VDVKs comprising 900 members from about 20 villages of the district.

The toolkit and equipment distributed during the event included LPG cylinder with connection, burner, storage box, sealing machine, weighing balance, mixer grinder, fruit basket, pressure cooker, SS flat bottom saucepan with lid, SS Kad hai, tarpaulin, knife sets, spoon set, chopping board, stainless steel strainer, flour sieve, peeler, plastic measuring bucket, apron with head gear, jumbo box, etc.

DFO Kangpokpi also said that the self-help groups would be imparted training in value addition, branding and marketing, adding that she will strictly monitor the functioning of the self-help groups.

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