Villagers sensitised on natural farming, wildlife conservation

Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, Oct. 30 (EMN): A one-day seminar on natural farming and wildlife conservation was organised by the Chuchuyimlang Baptist Church (Mission), in partnership with Mokokchung Forest division, Dimapur Wildlife division and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mokokchung, on October 28 on the theme “One world, one life.”

Delivering the keynote address, the divisional forest officer (DFO), Dr. Sentitula, informed that Northeast is a part of central Asia and East Asian Austral flyaway of birds for their annual migration to escape the harsh northern winters. She stated that starting from September, hundred species of birds migrate through the state and it is the time when there is lot of pressure for illegal hunting in the state.

She added that hunting of all kinds is punishable under Wild Life Protection Act 1972.

As migratory birds feed on dragonflies, locusts, grasshoppers, termites, beetles etc. thereby maintain the population of insects, she informed that in other parts of the country nest box are made for the birds to control pests without economic, health and environment cost.

Mentioning that annual outbreak of insects destroy agriculture and forest products amounting to hundreds of millions of rupees, she has suggested to practice natural farming and conserve wildlife.

The range officer, Moamongba, who spoke on wildlife conservation, maintained that presence of wildlife indicates a healthy ecosystem. He highlighted on the conservation movement of Mokokchung district with special mention of Amur Falcon arrival in the Langpangkong range in the early 80s and how conservation movement has spread far and wide.

Tokaho Kinimi, wildlife warden of Dimapur division, stated that the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 is one of the most powerful Acts and added that no individual could escape under the Act, who commits illegal activities. 

“Defaulters will be punished and the quantum of punishment will vary according to the species of animal hunted or killed as given in the wildlife schedule,” Kinimi said.

Stating that conservation comes with challenges and sacrifices, he stated that everyone as an individual and community should discipline themselves and make certain sacrifice towards conservation of wildlife. He also reminded that the community reserve is managed by the villagers themselves and the landholding is with the community.

Dr. Keviletsu Khate, senior scientist and head of KVK Mokokchung, spoke on natural farming. He stated that without forest, there cannot be natural farming. According to him, devoid of common salt in the field is the base for turning to natural farming.

He, however, lamented that most of the farmers use salt in their fields causing the micro-flora to wipe out from the soil, thereby resulting only in the growth of grasses.

“The soil has to be used judiciously throughout the year and sufficient nitrogen fixing crops/ oilseeds should be planted to maintain nutrients of the soil,” he said.