A team of officers of the FOCUS-Nagaland (Fostering Climate Resilient Farming Systems in the North East –Nagaland) project led by the APC and Mission Director Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS and S. Tainiu, Jt. Secy and State Project Director held a joint meeting with the officials of IFAD (International Fund for Agriculture Development) led by the Country Director, Asia and the Pacific Division Dr. Han UlacDemirag at the UN House, New Delhi on the 7th October 2021.

During the review of the project activities of the project it was highlighted that the project was hindered by the various issues mainly due of the COVID-19 pandemic. Y. Kikheto Sema also drew attention to the drought like situation in the state and said that the food security cannot be ensured without water security. The other main issue discussed during the meeting was the delay in the reimbursement of the funds which is adversely affecting the project implementation. The IFAD officials emphasized that procedures has to be followed for timely release and it was agreed that both parties shall coordinate with each other in order to resolve the issues. With regard to the Advance Grant, the IFAD officials advised the project team to request the Dept. of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance.

The IFAD support project FOCUS – Nagaland is being implemented in Nagaland since 2018-19 covering 645 villages of eight districts. The FOCUS project team is currently in discussion with the funding agency to include the three remaining hill districts of Noklak, Tuensang and Peren. 

                                                                                                (PRO Delhi)