On the last day of the Technical Mission, the World Bank Team made a courtesy call to the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on 1st September 2022 and appraised him on their field visit to Boke-Botsa, Naga Integrated Settled Farming (NiSF) and Jhum Field under Tseminyu district.
The World Bank officials appreciated the traditional knowledge and practices at Boke-Botsa which is unique and can be emulated and replicated as one of the best practices. The World Bank Team appreciated the prompt response of the State Core and Technical Team led by the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Government of Nagaland.
On the observation made by the World Bank Team, the Chief Minister advised the bank officials to assist in creating a sustainable design and also to strategies the implementation process for the project, by incorporating an appropriate holistic landscape approach. He also emphasized that for settled agriculture and other income generating activities, the availability of sufficient water source is a primary need, thus, water management component for hilly areas should be included during the planning phase. He also added that enabling access to market to reduce dependency on imports would be a critical factor that would enhance the livelihood and sustainability of the stakeholders.
The World Bank officials also visited the Chief Secretary, Nagaland, J. Alam IAS at his Office Conference Hall. The Chief Secretary advised that if the project is taken up in an integrated and cluster approach, the activities will be self-sustainable. He also pointed out that social capital is strong in the State and can be utilized to the best advantage for ELEMENT Project. He also reiterated that water is an issue in the State and water management and conservation will have to be addressed.
The World Bank Team also paid a courtesy visit to G. Kaito Aye, Minister for Agriculture and Cooperation.
The day ended with a wrap-up meeting to discuss the way forward between the World Bank Technical Mission Team and the Core and Technical Committee of ELEMENT, Nagaland at the Conference Room of the APC.
(DIPR)
