The project is funded by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and implemented by Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS). Minister for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Transport Khashim Vashum attended the launching ceremony as Chief Guest
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
Integrated Tribal Development Project (WADI-II) was launched at Halang village in Ukhrul on Saturday to promote sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities and enhance their income security. The project is being funded by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and implemented by Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS)
Under the project Wadi, which means a ‘small orchard’ covering one or two acres, saplings of Kiwi and Kachai Lemon will be provided to around 200 farmers selected from five villages. The beneficiaries will be supported for five years.
Minister for Veterinary and Animal Husbandry and Transport Khashim Vashum attended the launching ceremony as Chief Guest in the presence of Khai Siamlal Guite, DGM of NABARD, Manipur Regional Office, Imphal, and Krishna Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul as Guest of Honour and functional president respectively.
Speaking at the launching programme, Minister Khashim Vashum said, “We are here because of our people, the State is here because of our people and the Country is here because of our people. It is my special request to all the dignitaries present here today to work sincerely for the people.”
Lauding the initiative of UDCRMS, Khashim Vashum said, “IFAD/UDCRMS has reached every nook and corner of Ukhrul District and has contributed much in uplifting the living standard and conditions of the Tangkhul community.”
The minister urged the gathering to grab the opportunity by giving full cooperation to the implementing agency. He also appealed to the beneficiaries to sincerely implement the project. “The success lies in the hands of beneficiaries. Treat every sapling of Kiwi and Lemon with love and care. Nurture them like human being,” he added
The minister also appealed to the banks operating in Ukhrul District to extend maximum help to the farmers when they came for loan and other Government-funded schemes.
In his concluding remarks, Khashim Vashum said, “Let us not go for easy money. When you buy a stolen vehicle with cheaper price, don’t forget that the real owner must be going through a very bad time. Let us do away with stolen vehicles.”
Khai Siamlal Guite, DGM of NABARD, Manipur Regional Office, Imphal stated that NABARD came into existence on 12 July 1982 by transferring the agricultural credit functions of RBI and refinance functions of the then Agricultural Refinance and Development Corporation (ARDC). He elaborated on the various projects and schemes being taken up by NABARD. “The project is for you, for your own benefit, please, make use of it. Your success is our success,” he added.
Krishna Kumar told the gathering that the purpose of this project is also to promote Kachai Lemon that already has GI Tag. He further continued that the WADI project is a NABARD-funded Tribal Development Programme (TDP) which aims at promoting sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities and enhancing their income security. “Wadi” means a ‘small orchard’ covering one or two acres.
Somipam Longleng, Manager, Natural Resource and Livelihood, UDCRMS, informed that “around 200 farmers will be selected from five villages and will be supported for five years. Saplings of Kiwi and Kachai Lemon will be provided to each beneficiary besides others. Fruits processing and packaging training will follow in the coming years.”
Headman of Halang, Wungmaling Huileng in his welcome address assured to extend maximum co-operation for the successful implementation of WADI-II in the village.
Secretary of Halang Village Penmi Horam submitted a memorandum to Minister Khashim Vashum for construction of a guest house at the village. The villagers of Halang while extending warm welcome felicitated Khashim Vashum for getting Ministerial berth in the formation of Government of Manipur.
The launching programme was also attended by DFO of Ukhrul, Shanngam Shaliwo, PO of DRDA Ukhrul, Roland Ningshen, DDM NABARD Ukhrul, Branch Managers of Punjab National Bank (PNB), Manipur State Cooperative Bank (MSCB) and United Commercial Bank (UCO), District Project Director and Staffs of UDCRMS. The performance by Tangkhul artist Yuileichan Mahongnao and choreography presentation by students of Halang Baptist Church Mission School added more colour to the launching programme.