WOZHURO–RALAN INTEGRATED TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

During the year 2024–2025, the Mass Educational Welfare Society (MEWS), Wokha continued the implementation of the Wozhuro–Ralan Integrated Tribal Development Programme, supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under the Tribal Development Fund (TDF). The programme aims to promote sustainable orchard-based livelihoods through the plantation of coconut and Assam lemon with banana cultivated as an intercrop under the Wadi model. The project is being implemented in Pongidong, Shaki, Sankiton, and Meriyan villages under Wozhuro Block in Wokha District, Nagaland.

During the reporting year, efforts were focused on strengthening orchard management and ensuring the healthy growth of plantations established in previous years. Regular monitoring visits were conducted by the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) to supervise plantation activities and provide technical guidance to the beneficiary farmers. Farmers were advised on proper crop care, soil management, and sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity and maintain the orchards effectively.

An important milestone during the year was the inauguration of the Project Farmers Producer Organization (FPO), Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd., along with its Office and Organic Market at Wokha, which was inaugurated by Shri Ajit Kumar Ranjan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Wokha, on 10th May 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen market linkage and promote collective marketing of agricultural and horticultural produce. In addition, a Banana Chips Processing Unit was established for the FPO at Rachan Colony, Wokha Town, to encourage value addition and create better income opportunities for farmers.

Capacity-building and exposure programmes were organized to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers. On 7th September 2024, farmers visited ZUNPHA MPCS, Tsemenyu, where they observed various livelihood activities such as poultry farming, beekeeping, agri-market linkage, garment production, printing, and carpentry. The visit provided valuable insights and motivation for the newly formed Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd. to adopt innovative practices.

Another exposure visit was organized on 9th September 2024 for 26 farmers from Pongidong, Shaki, Meriyan, and Sankiton villages to the State Agriculture Research Station (SARS), Yisemyong, Mokokchung. Farmers were introduced to improved techniques such as vermicomposting, azolla cultivation, integrated farming systems, poultry farming, paddy cultivation, and hydroponics.

To strengthen the institutional capacity of the FPO, training programmes were also conducted for the CEO, Accountant, and Board of Directors of Tchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd. to improve their managerial and organizational skills.

The project team and FPO members also actively participated in public events and awareness programmes. PIA team & FPO participated in the 76th Republic Day celebration at Wokha Headquarters, in collaboration with the District Horticulture Office, Wokha, where agricultural and horticultural products produced by the farmers and FPO were exhibited.

Through these activities, the programme continued to strengthen orchard development, promote farmer capacity building, and improve market linkage and value addition opportunities, thereby contributing to the sustainable livelihood and socio- economic development of the beneficiary farmers in the project villages.