In an effort to review the progress and ensure effective implementation of the Community Livelihood Improvement Projects (CLIP), the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) Team comprising members Shri N. Bhattacharjee, Technical Expert on Environment, Forest, etc to the state of Meghalaya and Smti. H.Lato, IFS, Conservator, Forest Department, Government of Meghalaya today visited East Jaintia Hills District to inspect project sites under CLIP implemented by the Block Resource Management Committee (BMRC) at Iongkaluh and Kairang villages respectively.
The team was accompanied by Shri D.S Wankhar, Chairman, Block Resource Management Committee (BMRC), Shri A Laloo, Secretary, Block Resource Management Committee (BRMC), Smti. S. Sutnga, District Programme Manager, State Rural Employment Society (SRES), East Jaintia hills District, other district officials, traditional heads, Farmer and Producer Groups (FPGs) and community members.
At Iongkaluh, upon arrival the team was welcomed by villagers and BMRC officials at Community Hall, Iongkaluh, following which they were felicitated by Farmer Producer Group (FPG) Iongkaluh. A short interaction and discussion ensued following which, the team visited project plantation sites.
Addressing the gathering at Iongkaluh, Technical Expert on Environment, Forest etc to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri. N. Bhattacharjee congratulated farmers of Jaintia Hills for their contribution towards promoting the Lakadong variety of turmeric. He highlighted that the Lakadong turmeric from Meghalaya has gained national and international recognition after being presented to world leaders during the G7 Summit. He stated that Meghalaya has the potential to become a leading organic hub with products like turmeric, ginger and other agricultural produce having great opportunities for value addition and marketing.
Shri. Bhattacharjee also encouraged farmers present on the occasion to look beyond traditional sources of livelihood and emphasised that farming remains one of the greatest strengths of the community. While speaking about Community Livelihood Improvement Projects (CLIP) projects, he said that the initiative under the mining-affected area reclamation programme aims to create sustainable livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level. He appreciated the progress made by the beneficiaries and also informed that based on performance, more villages would be considered for support in the next phase.
He further assured continued support from the government and concerned departments, including possible interventions in medicinal plants, agriculture and horticulture sectors. He urged the farmers to work hard and become ambassadors of the mission by inspiring others across the state.
As part of the programme, the Meghalaya Environment Protection and Restoration Fund (MEPRF) Team led by Technical Expert on Environment, Forest etc to the Government of Meghalaya, Shri. N. Bhattacharjee carried out a field inspection of the Community Livelihood Improvement Project (CLIP) project sites at Iongkaluh Village. The team assessed the implementation of the activities and guided the beneficiaries on the measures to be adopted, including best practices to follow and activities to be avoided for maintaining sustainability and improving project outcomes.
Later in the day, a similar programme and inspection was also undertaken at Kairang Village, where the team visited the Community Livelihood Improvement Project (CLIP) sites and reviewed the progress of the initiatives undertaken by the beneficiaries. The team also provided necessary guidance and suggestions for further improvement of the project activities.
Adding colour and vibrancy to the programme, community members presented traditional songs and dances, showcasing their culture and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the visiting team.
