Success Stories -NL -Final - Department of Land Resources

NAGAL AND

H.1. Reaping Rich Dividends through Watershed
Programme
A Case Study from Kohima, Nagaland
Problem Statement
Tseminyu sub-division of Kohima district with a total geographical area of about 284.36 sq.
km occupies the northern part of Kohima. Under IWDP
Kohima-V (Tseminyu sub-division) watershed, 16
villages were covered with a treatment area of 8200
ha. The villages are Sendenyu, Henbeju, Terogunyu,
Phenwhenyu, Kashanyu, Zisunyu, Tseminyu Village,
Phenshunyu, Khenyu, Ziphenyu, Tesophenyu New,
Nsunyu, Chunlikha, Gukhanyu, K.Nyishunyu, and
Tsonsa. The project was sanctioned during 2003 and
completed in March 2008 and it has benefited a total of
3,303 households. Agriculture is the mainstay of the
people here and vast area practices jhum cultivation.
The socio-economic status of the people is very low
due to lack of resources and economic opportunity
which leads to migration to urban areas. Large scale
jhumming is practiced leading to excess soil erosion
and degradation of natural flora and fauna. To add to
the woes there is acute shortage of water for drinking
and farming activities.
Objectives and Methodology
Taking into consideration the above situation efforts were initiated through the project to
uplift the socio-economic status of the villagers which would result in reduction of migration,
to recharge the ground water in the project area and change the pattern of cultivation from
shifting to permanent cultivation. Overall it was expected that these initiatives would restore
the ecological balance and bring about environmental improvement.
The project was implemented mainly
to reclaim the vast jhum land which
lay barren, for afforestation,
horticulture, and cash crop cultivation
and incorporate it with various soil and
moisture conservation measures,
thereby providing subsistence to the
farmers. The IWDP, which
emphasizes on bottom up planning
approach, was well accepted by the
local people. All the activities were
tailored to suit local conditions and
that easily fitted into the jhum system.
The major activities undertaken were:
Photo 1. Map indicating the project
area (Tseminyu sub-division) in Kohima
District
Photo 1. A view of the project area devastated by Jhum
before the Project
afforestation, horticulture, cash crop cultivation, soil and moisture conservation measures
like bench terraces, contour bunds and water harvesting structures, formation of SHGs.
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Photo 3. Community Utility Building
constructed at Tseminyu Village
Photo 4 & 5. Water tanks constructed under EPA in kashanyu
and Zisunyu villages
Results and Impact
Under afforestation 15,41,200 hollock and pine saplings were provided covering an area of
4341 hectares and benefiting 6794 beneficiaries. Out of the total saplings planted 6,47,304
trees have survived whose present value stands at Rs.647 lakhs. It is estimated that after 20
years the value of these trees would be Rs. 9710 lakhs. In horticulture 315,000 orange,
banana and passion fruit saplings were provided covering an area of 370 hectares and
benefiting 697 beneficiaries. Out of the total saplings planted 130,300 trees have survived
generating an annual income of Rs.449.42 lakhs. Similarly cash crops namely lemon grass
and cardamom covering an area of 264 hectares has benefited 528 farmers and fetching an
annual income of Rs. 11 lakhs.
Photo 6. Hollock plantation after six years at
Ziphenyu village
Photo 7. Pine Plantation at Tsonsa Village
Photo 8 & 9. Afforestation on contour bunds in Ziphenyu village (pictures taken on 2004 and 2008)
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Photo 10 & 11. Views of the orange plantation at Chunlikha Village (pictures of same plot at the initiation of
the project and after 5 years)
Under soil conservation measures 32 nos of water harvesting structures, bench terraces of
13 units and contour bunds covering 25 ha has been completed. The project has facilitated
in the formation of 68 number of SHGs with a total membership of 977 members (963 female
and 34 male). Each of these SHGs have been provided with a seed money of Rs 10,000 and
they have taken up income generation activities like weaving, handicraft, kitchen gardening,
piggery, cash crops, micro-enterprise which together has fetched an income of Rs. 1.7
crores till date.
Photo 12. Villagers engaged in construction of water harvesting structures in Phenwhenyu
Photo 13 & 14. Views of bench terraces and water harvesting structures constructed in Phenwhenyu village &
the same put in to Paddy cum Fish Culture
In addition to the above activities, low cost latrines were also constructed for the economic
and socially deprived villages under the project using locally available material and CGI
sheets provided to them. Today, as a result, the village has a cleaner and hygienic
surrounding, and scavenging animals are rarely seen loitering in the village square.
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Economic Earthen Kitchen (EEK) has been disseminated to all the project villages and by
January 2005 almost 75% of the household in the project villages has adopted it. This EEK
is a simple, cost free, mud structure devised to reduce the consumption of fuel, thereby
conserving the forest. Reduction in consumption of firewood has saved thousands of trees
and several rupees each year. It is observed that before the use of EEK, the consumption of
firewood in each house at an average was 5 thaks. After the use of EEK the firewood
consumption has been reduced to 3 thaks. It is estimated that about 3.6 lakh worth of
firewood is saved every year in a village. This amounts to Rs. 57.60 lakh saved in all the 16
villages in a year and Rs` 3.45 crores worth of firewood has been saved during six years in
the project villages.
Photo 2. A women beneficiary aside the Economic
Earthen Kitchen provided under the project in
Phenwhenyu village
Photo 3. A view of the Low cost latrine
constructed under EPA in Kashanyu village
As a result of implementation of the project some notable
changes have been noticed viz. the overall environment
has visibly improved, the water table of the area has
increased and the duration of availability of water has
increased from 7-8 months to 9-10 months annually, the
economic condition of the villagers has seen an upward
trend, the women folk have been empowered and their
self-esteem boosted as they have become financially
independent by being a member of Self Help Group.
Photo 4. Tata mobile purchased by the
Lachai SHG of Nsunyu village
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H.2. Paving the Way to Success
A Case Study from Mhainamtsi, Nagaland
Peren district occupies the south western tip of Nagaland. The entire population is tribal and
economically very poor. People of the district depend for their livelihood on subsistence
jhum/shifting cultivation. Mhainamtsi also called the pineapple village under IWDP Peren-I
was sanctioned during 2005-06. The area earmarked for the watershed development was
500 hectares. It is located at a distance of 30 km from the district headquarter, Peren. It is
predominantly inhabited by Zeliang and Rongmei tribes. The village has a total of 236
households. The literacy rate is relatively very low (33%). The main occupation of the
inhabitants is agriculture.
Problem statement:
The major constraint facing the village is the landuse pattern. Shifting cultivation being a part
and parcel of the socio-economic life of the villagers, inspite of its adverse effects on the
ecosystem and productivity, is still practiced. “Community Lands” which is often considered
as free resources by the population, leads to overexploitation and degradation. The area
receives high rainfall but erratic in distribution and high intensity of rainfall which compacts
and reduces the chances of infiltration. Due to continuous shifting cultivation and premature
cycle, the NPK ratio has declined which has ultimately resulted in alteration of soil microorganism.
The system of “free grazing” during the winter months was the principal factor for
the failure of any plantation in the past. Further the traditional practice of burning jungles in
the dry seasons which is predominantly practiced within the district was one of the limiting
factors.
Objectives and Methodology
Considering the above situation the programme was implemented with the objective to
increase productivity of the land, to increase the water table in the area, to utilize the jhum
lands on a sustainable manner through better agro-forestry practices and there-by promote
overall economic development, reduce migration and restore the ecological balance and
overall environmental improvement.
Within the project area, several activities were undertaken as per the land capability,
suitability and the actual needs of the project area. These activities are afforestation,
plantation of horticultural crops and cash crops, drainage line treatment by vegetative and
engineering structures, development of small water harvesting structures, land development,
in-situ soil and moisture conservation measures-bunding and vegetative barriers.
Photo 1. A view of the contour bund made under the
project
Photo 2. A view of the water harvesting
structure developed in the project area
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There were plantation of 1.15 lakh nos. of teak, gamari, agar and other trees whose present
value is Rs. 1.15 crores and whose value after ten years would be Rs.11.85 crores and after
25 years would be Rs.23.80 crores. In pineapple plantation 78 household were engaged.
These families were earlier involved in jhum practice which fetched an average annual
household earning of 6000/-per annum.
Photo 3 & 4. Views of the teak plantation (cleaning at the initiation of the project and after 4 years)
The area covered under pineapple cultivation was 115 ha and 9.40 lakh pineapple suckers
were planted. The annual production of pineapple was 850 MT which brought about an
annual net return of Rs. 29.75 lakhs. This provided an average household income of
Rs.38,000 per annum from pineapple alone. Hence all 78 households have abandoned jhum
practice and are extending their cultivation every year in view of the high profit from
pineapple. Under rubber plantation 21 nos of household are engaged. The area covered
under the plantation is 13 Ha, number of trees planted are 6000. The plantation which was
done in 2008-09 is expected to fetch Rs.17.00 lakhs return per annum on maturity after 7
years.
Photo 5. A view of the pineapple plantation raised
under the project
Photo 6. A view of the field with freshly
planted rubber seedlings amid pineapple plants
Apart from plantation activities the project has promoted 7 nos. of SHGs with a total
membership of 74. Each SHG has been provided with Rs. 10,000 and they have taken up
weaving, micro-credit, kitchen gardening, piggery, cash crop cultivation which has generated
an income of Rs. 9.70 lakhs till date.
Photo 7. Zangna SHG members in action
Photo 8. National level Monitor interacting
with members of Luireu SHG
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Results and impact
IWDP intervention was targeted at the jhum system for productive utilization of the land.
IWDP was well accepted by the local people as well as activities and tailored to suit the local
conditions that easily fitted into the jhum system. The total number of household benefited by
the project intervention was so far 172 nos. It is evident that IWDP has increased
productivity of the land and has greatly improved the economic conditions of the people. It
has also resulted in greater women’s participation, greater access to income generating
opportunities, sharing of benefits by the community, assets for the weaker sections of the
people, employment opportunity for the landless and the weaker sections. Besides,
improved productivity in the watershed, improved availability of timber, fuel-wood and fodder,
increase in the water table in the area, reduction in migration from rural areas, improvement
of economic status of the people and above all restoration of ecological balance and over-all
environmental improvement has made a lasting impact in the area.
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H.3.Heralding the Success of Watershed Programme
A Case Study from Tuimei, Nagaland
Tuimei is separated from the district headquarter by a distance of 21 km. The general
topography of the village is mainly hilly terrain except for some narrow basins. The altitude is
340 m above mean sea level. The village has a population of 883 while literacy rate is 37
percent. Agriculture occupies the main source of income for the villagers. The major crops
grown are rice, maize, millets, betel vine and vegetables. The climate is of sub-tropical and
the soil is sandy-clay with medium organic content.
The IWDP Mon-III was started in the year 2005.Tuimei is one of the villages covered under
IWDP Mon – III. The name of the micro-watershed is named as the Shamjung project. The
project covers an area of 450 ha.
Problem statement
Some of the major constraints facing the villagers before the implementation of the project
are : Low economic status of the people, majority of the farmers depend on Jhum cultivation/
shifting cultivation which leads to low productivity, soil erosion, ecological imbalance and
reduction in soil fertility, no suitable measures to control several types of erosion, excessive
surface runoff has led to decrease in groundwater level, no measures were taken up to
conserve the surface runoff.
Objectives and methodology
The objectives were set after considering the social and economic needs of the people and
its pros and cons on the local environment.
i) To actively involve the rural people at every stage of executing the project right from
the planning stage to suit the needs of the people through trainings, capacity building
and social mobilization.
ii) Harnessing and utilizing the age old indigenous technology of the farmers and locally
available materials and unexplored resources so as to facilitate convenience and
acceptability of the technology transmitted to the rural people.
iii) Jhum cultivation as elsewhere in Nagaland is the dominating land-use system with
long and deep historical roots, so to make-up for the losses caused during the slash
and burn process of Jhum cultivation, development of various plantation tree species,
horticultural crops, cash crops etc which can be of commercial importance so as to
generate income and employment for the people.
iv) To take up measures for soil conservation in areas where there are high threats of
erosion such as rain, wind, runoff etc.
v) To tape the runoff water through construction of water harvesting structures, check
dams, percolation tanks etc. for raising the water table in the watershed.
vi) To give equal importance to women folks through formation of SHGs so as to enable
them to be financially secure, expose their inner potential as well as to make
contribution to meet the needs of their family.
Various activities were taken up after taking into account its sustainability on that particular
area, the needs and their suitability on the rural people. This was done through a month long
extensive survey. At every phase, the opinions of the people were taken into account and by
utilizing the available natural resources that will suit the soil and climatic condition of that
particular area. The activities taken up were-:EPA (Entry point activity) afforestation,
plantation of horticultural and cash crops, soil conservation measures, formation of SHG,
installation of lemongrass farm along with distillation unit, setting up of model farm .
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IWDP was able to meet the set objectives, thus bringing a breath of fresh air into the lives of
the people. It was suitable for the local environment as all the activities were taken up
keeping in mind the adaptability, convenience and its accessibility to the local people. The
activities were quiet productive and generated the desired outcome. For example
construction of community toilet for the convenience of the villagers as well as for the
passers-by for maintenance of sanitation in the village and purchase of plastic chairs for use
in community gatherings and meetings.
Under afforestation 45000 hollock, khokkon and gamari saplings were provided covering an
area of 45 hectares. Out of the total saplings planted 30,000 trees have survived whose
present value stands at Rs.30 lakhs. It is estimated that after 20 years the value of these
trees would be Rs. 150 lakhs. In horticulture 314,000 orange, areca nut, tea and lemon
grass saplings were planted covering an area of 54 hectares. Out of the total saplings
planted 301,000 trees have survived generating an annual income of Rs.58.56 lakhs.
Under soil conservation measures 3 units of water harvesting structures, 3 water tanks and
1500 meters of irrigation channel has been completed. The project has facilitated in the
formation of four SHGs and they have taken up income generation activities like poultry,
goatery, weaving, kitchen gardening, tea plantation, coconut plantation etc.
Photo 1. A view of the water harvesting structure developed under the project
Lemongrass or the commonly known citronella is a high valued crop, with multiple uses,
easy to maintain, ideal soil binder in hilly areas which are more prone to soil erosion and
suitable in different climatic conditions. Lemongrass farm along with distillation unit was
established on 4 th July, 2008. The area under cultivation is 12ha and harvesting is done 5
(five) times in a year. The oil sold so far is 2100 kg.
Photo 2 & 3. Views of lemongrass field and the distillation unit
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EVALUATION / EVIDENCE AND REPLICABILITY :
The project has the power to create a socio-economic revolution among the rural masses. It
has not only produced tangible assets and improved the living conditions of the people, but
also helped them in changing much of their social and economic outlook and attitudes. The
success of the programme is evident from reduced poverty, rural employment, and
enhanced economic opportunities, better education of the children, improved living
standards, conservation of natural resources and a cleaner environment. The secret for the
success lies in motivation of the target group and the integrated approach to involve them
right from the planning till the implementation stage, thus facilitating two-way traffic between
the rural masses and the implementing agency. The potential for its replication in other
places depends on the adoption of right approach and the techniques involved in its
execution. The people of the Tuimei village themselves are the testimony of the success of
the programme to other people in different areas.
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H.4. A Successful Venture through Watershed
Programme
A Case Study from Wokha, Nagaland
IWDP Project-II in Wokha district of Nagaland covers 17 micro-watersheds which were
scattered in all the five RD Blocks. A total of 17 villages with target area of 8300 Ha was
covered. The conditions of the areas were pathetic, and with the lack of knowledge for
resource utilization as well as minimum economic opportunities, it was evidently under
poverty. There was large scale dependency on jhumming where 82% of the watershed
community was engaged.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
With Jhum cultivation as the main livelihood activity, sustainable economic activity has slow
progress. Due to excessive jhumming activity, there is rapid degradation of forest land, soil
erosion and decreased water table. With the decreasing jhum cycle to 4-5 years which
earlier was a cycle of 6-8 years, and increasing rural population leading to larger utilization of
jhum land, the once fertile land has been exhausted leading to result of low productivity of
jhum paddy and other agriculture products. This practice has also caused tremendous loss
of both flora and fauna and habitat of many wild animals.
Apart from this condition, it is faced with many problems, such as: lack of drinking water,
lack of scientific method of farming, lack of accessibility to markets, there is a problem for
various departments to undertake developmental activities due to lack of transport and
communication.
OBJECTIVES & METHODOLOGY
With the above situation in mind, the project was implemented with the objectives of
optimum utilization of natural resources, employment generation through Income Generating
Activities, to achieve sustainable productivity with the available resources, to improve overall
condition of the watershed through plantation of various economic/commercial plants and
crops viz. teak, gamari, hollock, orange, pineapple, rubber, areca nut, banana etc. to check
degradation of land through construction of soil and moisture conservation structures such
as Bench terraces, Water Harvesting Structures, Check Dams, etc. and,to promote scientific
management and improvise the traditional methods of farming with active participation of the
watershed community.
IWDP intervention was targeted at the jhumming system for productive utilization of land. It
was well accepted by the people as the activities were shaped to suit the local conditions
that fitted easily into the jhum system.
Activities taken up under IWDP Wokha-II project can be broadly classified into two general
categories, namely production and treatment activities.
Production activity consisted of afforestation, horticulture development and cash crops. Tree
species of high commercial values such as, teak, gamari, hollock etc. were planted under
afforestation. Major crops under horticulture & plantation crops consisted of oranges,
pineapple, banana, arecanut, rubber plantation etc. Cash crops and medicinal & aromatic
plants consisted of sugarcane, lemongrass, patchouli, agar etc. have been introduced to the
project communities to fetch good economic return in short term.
Treatment activity consisted of building bench terraces, contour bunds, check dams and
water harvesting structures. Conservation structures have been built in the micro-watershed
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where degradation of forest due to jhumming, splash from rain drops and gully from runoff
are expected to cause serious soil erosion. A tabular view of the achievements of the project
is presented in table 1 and table 2
Table 1: Physical achievements of different activities under the project:
Sl. Activity Achievement
1 E.P.A 17 Nos.
2 SHG 134 Nos.
3 Training 70 Nos.
4 Afforestation 2756 Ha.
5 WHS 34 Nos.
6 Bench Terrace 102 Ha.
7
Horticulture, Plantation Crops
& Cash Crops
2312 Ha.
Photo 1 . A view of the members of Telongla SHG of Lakhuti Village
Table 2: Changes in Land Cover Pattern before and after intervention of the project:
Land use –
Land cover pattern
Pre-project Status
(Ha.)
Post-project status
(Ha.)
i) Forest Land
ii) Current Jhum Land
iii) Abandoned Jhum Land
iv) Terrace Land
v) Pasture /Grazing Land
vi) Cultivable Land
vii) Barren/ Un-cultivable Land
viii) Orchard/Garden Land
0.00
3791.50
3892.50
12.00
0.00
281.00
324.00
0.00
2756.00
1424.00
522.00
102.00
0.00
860.00
324.00
2312.00
TOTAL 8300.00 8300.00
Photo 2& 3 . Views of Hollock and teak plantations in Pankti and Wokha village, respectively
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The project started with need base entry point activities such as, construction of resting
shed, marketing sheds, water reservoir etc. were taken up through community participation.
It is estimated that a total asset worth of Rs. 50.00 lakhs have been created in the watershed
villages which are well maintained by the community. There after number of trainings were
conducted to the project community for participation in watershed development, where
various PRA tools were used in imparting trainings to the Watershed Committee members,
project Users Group & Self Help Groups. Various forms of awareness, meetings,
demonstration, field visit, exposure trips, audio-visual aid were used to create interest and
enthuse the project stakeholders. Innovative ideas have also been introduced to the people
such as use of earthen curry pot, economic kitchen, bee keeping, broom stick cultivation etc.
Photo 4. A view of the Resting Shed constructed as
part of EPA at Pangti Village
Photo 5. A view of the participants in a
Block level training in Wokha
A documentary booklet and audio-visual aids of successful farmers, achievers and upcoming
interested farmers were used as a tool for trainings. Large photographs and banners were
displayed during important functions and occasions. Documentations made by various
Government agencies and NGOs were aired by media and published in the local dailies.
Successful farmers and achievers were engaged as master trainers and resource persons.
Field trips as exposure tours were organized for the farmers in the fields of successful farms.
The project has facilitated in the formation of a number of Self Help Groups. Out of the total
target i.e. 100 SHGs within the project duration as per the Annual Action Plan (AAP), a total
of 134 SHGs has been already formed till date and registered under LRD, and out of which
72 are active. Kitchen garden, backyard poultry and micro-financing activities are carried out
by the groups. Each group has an average income of Rs. 40,000/- annually. A total of Rs
1.34 crores has already been generated so far.
Under afforestation, tree species such as Alder, Teak, Gamari, Hollock, Pine & Local
Species were introduced. A total of 2756 Ha. has been actually covered with present
standing trees of 8,26,800.00 Nos. on average of 6-7 years. The present value is estimated
at Rs. 20 Crores from estimated volume of 17,53,600 cft. The estimated volume after 20
years is Rs. 40 crores. Orange and Arecanut were the main horticulture crops taken up. It
covers an area of 1912 Ha. with 10,70,720 Nos. of standing plants. It is estimated to have an
earning of Rs. 0.78 crores annually. Tea and Rubber plantations were the main plantation
crops undertaken under IWDP-II. Tea Plantation covers an area of 85.00 Ha. which is
estimated to have an earning of Rs. 0.37 lakh which has just 24 rounds of plucking annually.
Rubber plantations cover an area of 65 Ha. with a total of 29,250 standing trees. It is
estimated to have an earning of Rs. 0.13 crores annually from its harvest. Sugarcane,
pineapple and passion fruits are major cash crops taken up. It covers an area of 250 Ha. It is
estimated to have an average earning of Rs. 0.31 crores annually.
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Photo 6 & 7. Views of orange and passion fruit plantations in Pyansa and Wokha villages, respectively
Photo 8 & 9. Views of Rubber and tea plantations in Lakhuti and Lio-Longidang villages, respectively
Photo 10 . A view of arecanut plantation in Champang village
Under Water harvesting structures, a total of 34 Units has been constructed. It has been
estimated that Rs.1.75 lakhs has been an average earning annually. A total of 102.00 Ha. of
bench terrace has been developed in different location of the watersheds. It is estimated an
average yield of 2,380 Quintals annually, earning them a total of Rs. 10.00 Lakhs.
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Photo 11 . View of a water harvesting structure
at Longsa Village
Photo 12 . A view of Bench Terrace at
Bhandari Village
Implementation of IWDP project has been a blessing to the watershed communities. Looking
at the condition and assessing the problems being faced in the areas, one can assume that
the continuing trend of jhum farming along with the growing rural population would soon
have disastrous consequences.
With the implementation of IWDP Project, various achievements and benefits have accrued
in the village namely : improvement in economic status, mobilization through trainings,
demonstrations and exposure tours, increase in farming and productivity, decrease in
migration ,increase in use of scientific technology, increase in water table, increase in
afforestation.
Implementation of IWDP-II in Wokha district has many remarkable achievements. In short, it
is a total success. The success of rubber plantation at Chudi village, tea plantation at Lio-
Longidang village and orchards at Pangti village has set an example in the minds of farmers
from other villages.
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H.5. Longleng District Paves The Way Successful
Watershed Programme Implementation
A Case Study from Longleng, Nagaland
Longleng got the status of district in the year 2003 after curving out from erstwhile
Tuensang. It shares the boundary with Mokokchung to the east, Assam to the west and
Tuensang to the north. Justice could not be delivered in developmental works to the people
inhabited in the district before Longleng got the status of the district due to vast geographical
area. The Department of Land Resources for the first time worked with the people of the
district independently in the year 2005 in IWDP Project-I. The Project which was sanctioned
in 2005-06 for a period of five years has covered 17 villages with a total target area of 8300
Ha.
The status of the Micro watershed village was in pitiable condition where almost 90%, of the
people inhabited. The micro watershed depends on Jhuming for their livelihood which
reflects the socio economic condition of the people inhabited in the area. With almost 90% of
the micro water shed villagers depending on Jhuming for livelihood sustainable economic
activities could not be derived, due to which the upcoming youngster are not attracted to the
village and migrate to the urban areas. After assessing the need of the people in the district,
the Department has selected 16 micro-villages spread over two blocks in the entire district
for the first phase of IWDP-1.
Embracing Jhum, which is the only source of livelihood for the micro water shed villagers
have depleted natural resources rampantly. At the same time with the increase of population
Jhum cycle which was 13-15 years before was reduced to 8-9 years. This in turn has
affected the eco system and the environment they inhabit. Not only this the Microwatershed
villagers are faced with numerous problem such as lack of proper transport &
communication, inadequate health facility, lack of scientific method of farming, poor socio
economic condition etc and are also excluded from the rest of the people due to poor road
communication and remoteness.
Photo 1 . A side view of Washershed Project Site of Yaongyimchem Village
Excessive Jhum not only resulted in depletion of natural resources but also caused rapid
degradation of forestland, increased soil erosion and reduced water table in many micro
water shed areas. The once fertile Agri land has lost its fertility leading to low productivity of
Agri product; it not only has adverse effect on environment but has also affected the rich
flora and fauna of the land leading inexorably to the erosion of biodiversity.
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With a vision to manage and utilize runoff water for sustainable land management ,increase
agricultural production , to develop suitable site-specific soil and water conservation
measures and also to improve land and water resources for income generating enterprises
and to maintain the ecological balance IWDP project has been introduced.
Activities taken up under IWDP Longleng project-1 can be broadly classified into two general
categories, namely production and treatment activities. Production activity consisted of
afforestation, horticulture development and cash crops. Tree species of high commercial
values such as, teak, gamari, hollock etc. were planted under afforestation. Major crops
under horticulture & plantation crops consisted of oranges, banana, betel vine, sugarcane,
etc. have been introduced to the project communities to fetch good economic return within
short term.
Soil & water works activity consisted of building bench terraces, contour bunds, check dams
and water harvesting structures were taken up to improve the water table . At the same time
it would help to go for seasonal crop growth for economic benefit and also to retain the jhum
land from erosion.
Conservation structures have been built in the micro-watershed to prevent the degradation
of forest due to jhumming, splash from rain drops and gully from runoff which may cause
serious soil erosion.
Numbers of trainings were imparted to the project community for participation in watershed
development. Various PRA tools were used in imparting trainings to the Watershed
Committee members, project Users Group & Self Help Groups. Besides awareness,
meetings, demonstration, field visit, exposure trips, audio-visual aid were used to create
interest and enthuse the project stakeholders. Innovative ideas have also been introduced to
the people such as economic kitchen, bee keeping, broom stick cultivation etc.
Photo 2 . Farmers take off an exposure visit
Photo 3 . On hands training during field
visit
A total of 105 SHGs has been already formed till date and registered under LRD, and out of
which 85 are still active. Activities such as kitchen garden, backyard poultry, weaving and
micro-financing are their main components. Each group has an average income of Rs.
35,000/- annually.
Under afforestation, tree species such as Gamari, Hollock & Khokon was introduced.
However, Hollock and Khokon were taken as major species, of 280000 nos of standing
Khokon tree covering an average of 312 Ha. may fetch an amount of Rs 280 lakhs when
sold @ Rs 100 per cft at present value. And for 2,40,000 nos of standing Hollock tree in 267
Ha an amount of 240 lakhs can be fetched when sold @Rs 100 per cft. at present value.
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Photo 4 . Gamari Plantation at
Yaongyimchem
Photo 5 . Hollock Plantation at
Orangkong
Photo 6 . Khokon Plantation at
Yongshei
The micro water shed is blessed with rich vegetation and good climatic condition suitable for
many horticultural crops. The department consulted the experts and after assessing the
suitability has introduced Orange, Banana, Litchu, Cardamom, Pineapple and Betel Vine as
the main crops taken up during the project period. A total 240.19 Ha area has been covered
under horticulture. There are a total of 2,74,385 standing plants which fetches a present
annual income of Rs 59.7 lakhs.
Photo 7 . Cardamom plantation under the project
in Yaong
Photo 8 . Pineapple plantation under the
project in Yongam
Photo 9 . Arecanut plantation under the project in Yongam
The income generated by these villagers have spread a message that jhum is not the only
source of livelihood and have influenced the nearby villages to start taking up these crops as
an alternate livelihood leaving Jhum, which would in turn save flora and fauna.
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Photo 10 . Apiculture as a livelihood activity in the project area
Under soil and water conservation 80 unit of Water harvesting structures, 48 unit of bench
terrace, 96 unit of check dam and 117 unit of counter bund have been developed during the
project period. The activities under Soil & Water Conservation have generated a greater
turnover in the production of seasonal crop giving an input of about 15 lakhs per annum. Dry
stream and ponds are also seen to have regained water in it, which shows the rate of water
table has improved due to soil and water work activities.
Photo 11 . Villagers at work in making irrigation
channel at Yaongyimchem village
Photo 12 . Contour Bundings at Alayong
Village
Photo 13 . Construction of a water harvesting
structure in Tangha village in progress
Photo 14 . A water harvesting structure
constructed under the projects in Orangkong
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Photo 15 . Bench Terracing at Yaongyimchem Village
Implementation of IWDP project in Longleng district has brought sea of changes in many
areas in the lives of the micro watershed villagers. The social economic condition has
improved, women folk are seen engaged in income generating activities, farmers are taking
up alternative method of livelihood leaving Jhum practice.
Imparting training and seminar to the entire user group in the micro water shed villages
during the project period has also motivated the villagers thereby leading them to judiciously
use natural resources in a sustainable way. They have also learnt to preserve and conserve
flora and fauna in the micro watershed villages. Their input of indigenous knowledge mixed
with modern method of farming and preservation of flora and fauna not only benefited the
villagers but allied land based department.
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