Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming System in the Northeast (FOCUS), NAGALAND project completion workshop was held at De Oriental Grand Hotel, Kohima on 3rd June 2025.
APC & Mission Director, FOCUS, Wezope Kenye, IAS in his remark stated that it is a significant milestone for the successful completion of the Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems in the Northeast (FOCUS) project in the State of Nagaland. He said that this achievement is the result of a shared vision, collaborative spirit, and the determination of all stakeholders who have contributed to the project's success.
Kenye stressed that FOCUS represents the first Externally Aided Project (EAP) in the Agriculture Sector of Nagaland implemented in partnership with IFAD. It marks a pioneering step in our efforts to strengthen farming systems and improve agricultural incomes across the state which has laid a strong foundation for further sectoral development and institutional growth. He mentioned that the State Government recognizes agriculture as a critical driver of economic progress, food security, and rural development. With over 70% of our population reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods, this project has been instrumental in initiating transformative change. It has not only enhanced income generation opportunities but has also built climate resilience and empowered farming communities to adapt and thrive. He highlighted that the project commenced on 25th January 2018 and was originally scheduled to conclude by 31st March 2024. However, the unforeseen challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an extension, yet the project reached an impressive 645 villages across 9 districts, directly benefiting approximately 1,18,000 households, covering nearly 89% of the target group. It led to the creation and strengthening of vital agricultural and allied infrastructure, improved market access, and played a transformative role in enhancing rural livelihoods and local economies. He added that the project invested in key infrastructure such as market access facilities, community seed banks, and crucial logistical assets like refrigerated vans, ensuring long-term support to farming communities.
State Project Director FOCUS, Ramnikant Kumar, IAS in his address said that this workshop marks not just the conclusion of a project, but the culmination of years of collaboration, dedication, and tireless efforts towards transforming upland farming systems in our State. Highlighting a brief introduction about the project, he stated that the Project duration was for 6 years and with the objective to develop, demonstrate and upscale sustainable land and crop management practices in 645 villages across 8 districts of Nagaland and to increase agricultural income of 1,18,000 households. He further stated that the past 6 years of implementing the project, has reached to 86% (102245 HH) of the targeted Households with various interventions on Improved Jhum, Development of Value chain and Market Access facilities. The project has also gone beyond in building repository of knowledge through development of quality technical materials, Community Procurement Guidelines, Investing in Land resource Inventory Maps, Surveys and Assessment Reports and datas- pertaining to agriculture and allied sectors developed.
He also encouraged everyone to view this workshop not just as a conclusion, but as a platform for learning and exchange, a space to build from this foundation for the future of agriculture and rural livelihoods in Nagaland.
Earlier, Country Programme Analyst, IFAD CO, Piyush Kanal, presented a slide deck highlighting on the activities of the project.
(Siizo Kikhi, IA)
