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Dimapur, March 10 (EMN): North East Network (NEN) celebrated 13th Bio-diversity Festival on March 9 at its resource centre in Chizami under Phek district with the Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema, as the guest of honour on the theme “Embracing biodiversity for well being.”
Speaking at the celebration, Kikheto has appreciated the efforts undertaken by NEN to protect and preserve two most vital resources: nature and people. He stated that the collective effort of the NGO has led to a better understanding of biodiversity and preservation of natural resources in the northeastern states.
He urged the organisation to promote activities that preserve and protect indigenous plant resources and to promote nutri-cereals like millets, job's tears and pulses like soya bean which have huge international markets.
He stated that there is increasing pressure on the forests for commercial exploitation to augment the income of the rural population in Nagaland, resulting in degradation of the forest resources and biodiversity. He added that Jhum cultivation, practiced by 73% of the total population, is one of the reasons for the forest degradation. In this regard, he urged the rejuvenation of the Jhum area for restoration of forests and conservation of biodiversity in the state.
He appreciated the people of Phek district for their hard work towards economic sustainability such as banning the import of pigs. He also proposed a proper road map for the state as well for each district and community even involving Agri and Allied departments for proper demarcation of conservation and cultivation areas for balanced maintenance of biodiversity and combating climate change.
He remarked that Naga women play an important role in farming, from planting to the selling of the produce in the markets, thereby transforming the socio-economy of the rural people. He further stressed on the important role of women in the transformation of society, changing the mindset concerning ecological issues, and also improving the economy of the family.
Kikheto was accompanied by the additional secretary of Agriculture department, Sachin Jaiswal, and a host of officers from Agri and Allied departments including some intern students from NU: SARSD, Medziphema.
The main highlight of the programme was the heritage seed exchange, which took place between women farmers of different villages from Nagaland.