Staff Reporter
Dimapur, February 4
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]o enhance development of human resources for an optimum productivity, Department of Land Resources has today launched the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) study centre for Diploma in Watershed Management (DWM) course at its Resource Centre in Ruzaphema village.The launching of IGNOU study centre by the Department of Land Resources in its Resource Centre is perhaps the first among various departments in the State which is aimed at empowering the rural mass for gainful productivity through watershed management.
It may be mention that the main objectives of the watershed management are to restore the ecological balance by harnessing, conserving and developing degraded natural resources such as soil, vegetative cover and water. The outcomes are prevention of soil run-off, regeneration of natural vegetation, rain water harvesting and recharging of the ground water table. This will enable multi-cropping and the introduction of diverse agro-based activities, which help to provide sustainable livelihoods to the people residing in the watershed area.
Altogether 47 in- service staff from the Department of Land Resources were inducted for the study course. It was informed that admission would be opened to interested persons in the subsequent years.
Parliamentary Secretary for Land Resources, BS Nganlang, who was also the chief guest of the inaugural cum induction programme, has exuded confidence that the Centre will be able to deliver the right knowledge for the benefit of the State and farmers. He was hopeful that the newly inducted departmental staff into the programme would be able to produce effective results after completion of the course.
He regretted that enough money was drained in the past without any visible development particularly in agri and allied sector. He has attributed the malady to lack of proper knowledge and implementation procedures. He was, however, optimistic that the Centre will provide the much needed impetus for enhancing productivity through the knowledge imparted by IGNOU.
Also speaking on the occasion, Commissioner and Secretary Menukhol John said the launching of study centre was a step closer towards fulfilling the long cherished dreams. While pointing that Nagaland is one among the best performing states in the country, Menukhol John has encouraged the enrolled members to make good use of the course and endeavour to make Nagaland at the top position.
Director of Land Resources, Mhathung Yanthan has chaired the function while Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre, Kohima, Dr. T Iralu has delivered a power point presentation on the course. Additional Director, Hoto Yepthomi has delivered the vote of thanks.
Nestled at an ideal location overlooking Chathe River and spread over an area of 70 acres, the Resource Centre has been set up to provide quality materials, technical inputs and to help people through practical experience and expose to highest level of the targeted group. The Centre has been set up for identification and preservation of indigenous medical and aromatic plants, management of soil and water conservation measures, and cultivation of varieties of horticultural and agronomic crops in different patterns.
