The implementation of National Forest Management Project-Japan International Cooperation Agency (NFMP-JICA) Project has delivered transformative outcomes—reviving degraded ecosystems, boosting rural livelihoods, and strengthening village infrastructure. The collaborative efforts of JFMCs, SHGs, and government departments have established a powerful, scalable model of participatory forest management. By harmonizing ecological restoration with socio-economic resilience, NFMP–JICA has reignited hope across Nagaland. Its success has earned national recognition, including the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024, as a leading example of community-led forestry.
As part of the mid-term review, officials from JICA India —Ishikawa Saya, Representative, and Sushma Sen Adarshi, Development Specialist — visited Mokokchung Division on May 13–14, 2025. They were accompanied by Temjenyapang, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (NFMP, Project Director), Rongsenlemla, IFS, Conservator of Forests (NTC), and Project consultants led by Pravanjan Mohapatra,Team leader
On May 13th 2025, the visiting team was welcomed at Merangkong village, the Merangkong JFMC presented a brief presentation on the activities taken up under the project. During the visit, the SHGs of Merangkong village showcased their ongoing work and achievements, highlighting the various IGA (Income Generating Activities) and skill development efforts undertaken as part of the project. The JICA Team interacted closely with the SHGs & JFMCs members and appreciated their work and was impressed with their progress, the JICA Team encouraged them to make effective and sustainable use of the resources provided, and continue strengthening their efforts.
The JICA Team also visited the treatment site-Jhum Agro Forestry and highly appreciated the positive outcomes seen in the growth of the various trees species planted in the site like Duabanga Grandiflora, Ailanthus altissima, Choerospondiasaxillaris , Phoebe Sp etc.
On May 14th 2025, The JICA Team headed to Aliba village & visited the Environment Protection Area (EPA) & Water Harvesting Structures (WHS) implemented under NFMP project (JICA Assisted Project). The JICA Team remarked the convergence efforts made by the community and various departments on being a flagship activity under NFMP, which has greatly benefitted more than 100 households.
The JICA Team also visited Chungtia village and inspected the JFMC Nursery, WHS & EPA and had interactions with JFMCs & SHGs on their challenges faced in the project. The team also inspected the accounts and other registers maintained by the JFMC.
During the visit to Aliba&Chungtai Village, the JICA Team had a brief discussion with SHGs members regarding their progress and future plans, the main activity taken up by the SHGs does piggery and poultry own to the cost effectiveness and higher profit margin, making it more suitable for the local community. All the SHGs of Aliba & Chungtia have successfully completed their first cycle and the next business plan has already been processed.
The Mokokchung Forest Division successfully restored 4968 Ha across 14 villages through the five models (JAF/JFF/JCF/JCC/PEC), comprising of 1059.313 Ha under Productive models (JAF/JFF/JCF) and 3910.27 Ha under Conservation models (JCC/PEC) planting 9,98,984 saplings (2020-2024). During 2025 it will cover an additional area of 165 Ha under Productive models (JAF/JFF/JCF) and 1124 Ha under Conservation models (JCC/PEC) planting 2,20,767 saplings
There are 42 SHGs formed up to the Batch -3 villages, all the 42 SHGs have completed 1st cycle of activity, 22 SHGs are in 2nd cycle, 14 SHGs are in process for starting 3rd cycle and 6 SHGs are in the 3rd cycle of activity.
Ecological Gains: 4,968 Ha restored (14 villages): 78.7% under conservation (JCC/PEC); 9.98 lakh saplings planted (2020–24); 2.20 lakhs targeted for 2025 ; Forest Cover Increase: +14.88 sq km ; 46.97 sq km → Moderately Dense Forest (MDF); 31.55 sq km scrub rehabilitated.
Conclusively, the visiting team thanked the Host Division for the well planned inspection itinerary and acknowledged the successful implementation of the project activity including forestry intervention, community development, livelihood improvement plans, record keeping & documentation etc.
(DPRO Mokokchung)
