NAMSAI, Jun 2: A sapling distribution programme was organized at Jona Kochari village in Namsai district on Tuesday under the NABARD-funded JIVA (Natural Farming) Project. Saplings of Guava, Malta, Mousambi, Cocoa, Lemon and other suitable species were distributed to project farmers for plantation along farm bunds.
The programme was conducted under the project component “Regeneration of Soils and Improving Moisture/Water – Plantation on Farm Bunds” with the objective of improving soil health, conserving moisture, preventing soil erosion, enhancing biodiversity, and creating additional sources of nutrition and income for farming households.
The JIVA Project, an agroecology-based initiative to promote natural farming practices that are environmentally sustainable, low-input, and climate-resilient, is being implemented by Namsai Organic Spices Agricultural Products Producer Company Limited (NOSAAP) as the Project Facilitating Agency.
In his opening remarks, Athina Chauhai, CEO NOSAAP, briefed the participants about the objectives of the JIVA Project, highlighting its focus on restoring soil health, promoting natural farming, strengthening nutrition security, and enhancing the livelihoods of tribal farmers.
Addressing the gathering, Kamal Roy, AGM (District Development), NABARD, informed the farmers about the recently launched nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan” of the Government of India, which will be observed throughout the month of June. He highlighted that the campaign focuses on balanced fertilizer use, soil health management, promotion of natural and organic farming, prevention of counterfeit agricultural inputs, and saturation of Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) among eligible farmers.
He stated that the JIVA Project complements the objectives of the campaign by encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable and nature-friendly farming practices. He further highlighted that the JIVA Project was launched by NABARD following the successful implementation of the TRIBES/Integrated Tribal Development (WADI) Project and reflects NABARD’s holistic approach towards sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and livelihood enhancement.
Attended by project beneficiaries and SHG members, the event concluded with the distribution of saplings and an appeal to farmers to actively participate in natural farming and environmental conservation initiatives.