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ThursDAY 30•03•2017
NAGALAND
THE MORUNG EXPRESS
Protecting plant varieties and farmer’s rights
SASRD conduct awareness on PPV & FRA, which ensures protection of intellectual property rights of plant varieties, recognize, and reward farmers for their contributions in preserving and conserving the plant genetic resources and traditional varietal wealth. Morung Express News Medziphema | March 29
Most farmers in Nagaland are not aware of their rights established by The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Department, Government of India through the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001. In this context, the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development (SASRD), Nagaland University, Medziphema conducted an awareness programme on “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights” on Wednesday. Prof RR Hanchinal, chairperson of PPV & FRA, who was one of the key
speakers, gave an overview of Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers Right Act, 2001 (PPV & FR) and the activities carried out by the authority. The PPV & FR is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted to provide for the establishment of an effective system for protection of plant varieties, the rights of farmers and plant breeders, and to encourage the development and cultivation of new varieties of plants. He informed that the PPV & FR act has made provisions to establish a National Gene Fund through which the conservation of varieties developed can be done, recognized and rewarded. This fund supports and reward farming /tribal/rural communities who are engaged in conser-
An aged woman returns from her farm laden with green vegetables a few kilometers away from Wokha town. (Photo by Imti Longchar)
vation, improvement and preservation of genetic resources of economic plants and their wild relatives. Prof Hanchinal also urged the deserving Nagaland farmers to apply for the various awards constituted under the PPV & FR act like the Plant Genome Savior
Community Award etc. He expressed disappointment that Nagaland state lacked enthusiasm to promote its deserving farmers. The 'Plant Genome Saviour Community Award' is awarded to community of farmers which is engaged in conservation, improve-
ment and preservation of genetic resources of economic plants and their wild relatives, particularly in areas identified as agrobiodiversity hotspots. He also gave a summary of the Indian seed industry, seed market composition, and the challenges faced by
the seed industry. With very little known to most of the farmers about the registration procedure of their own variety and the financial benefit out of it, Dr Ravi Prakash, Registrar gave a concise explanation on registration of farmer’s varieties.
Farmers’ varieties are defined as varieties that have traditionally been cultivated and developed by the farmers in their fields, or varieties that are a wild relative or land race of any variety about which farmers possess common knowledge. Dr Prakash explained that plant variety protection provides legal protection of a plant variety to a breeder in the form of Plant Breeder's Rights. Plant Breeder's Rights (PBRs) are intellectual property rights that provide exclusive rights to a breeder of the registered variety. PPV&FRA have so far received 115 applications of farmer’s varieties from Nagaland, which is still being tested for confirmation. The Registrar however observed that the figure was very less considering the fact that Nagaland is one of the richest biodiversity hot spot in the country. “We expected at least 5000 or 10,000 of such applications,” he stated adding that many farmers will be benefitted out of this registration. He also urged Nagaland
farmers to come forward to apply for the different awards under the Act. Prof Sapu Changkija, Department of Genetics & Plant Breeding, Medziphema campus, NU gave a power point presentation “Glimpses of floristic diversity of Nagaland.” He said Nagaland lies in the 10th district bio-geographic zone under one of the identified 10 mega-spot in the world with reference to threats to biodiversity. Prof Sapu informed that the floral vegetation and fauna elements represent the transitional zone of Indian, Indo-Malayan and IndoChinese bio-geographic region. Citing an instance, he said the Patkai range of Nagaland is a bio-geographic gateway. Earlier, Prof RC Gupta, Dean, SASRD, NU in his brief remark as the chief guest also exhorted the farmers and students in attendance on the benefits of farmer’s rights, particularly in Nagaland context. Prof M Aleminla Ao, Department of Entomology, SASRD NU delivered the welcome address.
NUN and ARK foundation SHG leader’S Summit conducted counters State TB Officer Mon qualifies to avail additional Interest Subvention of 3% set by RBI
Kohima, march 29 (mExN): The Nagaland Users’ Network (NUN) and ARK foundation, in rejoinder to the press statement issued by the State TB Officer, stated that “Bedaquiline was approved in India in 2015.” Based on a letter sent to the Prime Minister of India by Civil Society Organizations and Community Networks on 13 January 2017, to immediately scale up Bedaquiline program and registration of Delamanid in India, the Director General of Health services (CTD) has on March 21, 2017, replied about the efforts to make the drug available under the program more so as a result of the Delhi High Court’s Judgment. In this regard, NUN and ARK Foundation in a press release stated that these agendas are beyond the capacity of the state RNTCP and therefore suggested them “not to make unnecessary rejoinders but to follow up on the suggestions put forth, which was called upon them to propose the need for these drugs to the central TB division in Delhi, in their Annual Action Plan.” On the issue of the year of RNTCP being launched, NUN and ARK foundation stated that “the year is not a primary concern. However, the source of 2001 was based on the earlier website of the RNTCP Nagaland which webpage has been changed and now shows as 2012, as the year of launching. In this regard, the two NGOs suggested the RNTCP not to create more confusion but to work on updating their source.” Regarding the CBNAAT
clarification, NUN and ARK foundation mentioned that they are very well aware of the limitations with the department at Tuensang and Zunheboto district, however suggested that the RNTCP cannot be “laid-back” but further work with the Government and its machinery to getting the machines installed. “The lives of the patients in these districts cannot be sacrificed to suffice the high case load of Kohima and Dimapur,” it added. Further, the NGOs questioned, “Why the STO chose to clarify only on this and not make any mentions on the absence of the District TB officer at Tuensang.” It also stated that though the IPT and 99 DOTS were launched in December 2016, the clarification failed to highlight on the IPT service uptake of the total HIV reported case of 2663 in Kohima and 7607 in Dimapur as of April 2006 to March 2016 which stands to be of concern. Therefore, the two NGOs has urged the state RNTCP to aggressively work on reaching out, counsel and linked PLHIVs to the services (IPT & 99 DOTS), not only in these two districts but even in the other districts as well. In conclusion, NUN and ARK foundation has made it clear that the purpose of the press statement was to serve as a means of strengthening the partnership resulting to a collaborated effort between RNTCP and NGOs, and advises the RNTCP to be open for constructive criticism and added, “The two organisations would be open to a discussion, if required.”
ALL NAGALAND
GOVERNMENT PRIMARY TEACHER ASSOCIATION SHAMATOR-CHESSORE
moN, march 29 (mExN): An SHG leader’s summit was held under Financial Inclusion Initiatives programme of Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) at DRDA resource centre, Mon town on March 28. A press note received here stated that the summit aims to bring the SHGs and the financial institutions build coordination and understanding for the growth of the rural poor. Tsalito Sangtam, Project Director DRDA Mon, speaking as resource person shared on initiatives of Government of India towards socio-economic empowerment of women through various flag-ship programmes. Unlike the earlier schemes with subsidy component, he clarified that the NRLM SHGs have the privilege to avail credit through Interest Subvention (IS), where a prompt loan recovery interest is sub vented from 12% to 7%. Apart from the general IS, Mon district which falls under the 150 most backward districts in the country qualifies to avail additional IS of 3% set by RBI. He reiterated that the SHGs under Mon block should set exemplary role and guide the other intensive blocks
Chief Manager SBI Mon branch addressing the SHG leader’s summit held at DRDA resource centre, Mon town on March 28.
in the days to come. KK Sharma, Chief Manager SBI Mon main branch, who participated as resource person deliberated on stages of credit linkage and importance of documentation of book of records by the SHGs. While touching on how loans are made available by the Banks, he informed the women that loans are provided through deposits of customers. He shared his concern on the urgent need for up-liftment of the rural population of the district and assured to render support to the SHGs in credit linkage by April onwards.
W. Chemkai Konyak, Branch Manager NSCB Mon branch, shared on importance of loan recovery and livelihood. He clarified about the current system of account opening process and the system of Interest Subvention (IS) from loans offered by government of India. The IS of 5 % which is funded by NABARD/MoRD will be reimbursed to the SHG account on prompt recovery. He said NSCB is giving full support to NRLM SHGs whereby 28 SHGs have already been provided credit in 2014-15 while 34 cases are under consideration for sanction during 2016-17.
L. Temjen Longchar, District Program Manager (DPM) spoke on challenges for community cadres towards changing the lives of the down-trodden. He expressed optimism that the NSRLM shall very soon achieve success in Nagaland like Andhra Pradesh while the standard of women will be uplifted very soon. Rajuselie Lhousa, district coordinator for financial inclusion (DC-FI) touched on the level of financial inclusion initiatives achieved in the district. Sharing a piece of advice to the SHGs, he appealed the womenfolk to main-
Multi-specialty health mela at Kuhuboto Rs. 237.83 crore set for
Kuhuboto, march 29 (mExN): A multi-specialty health mela was successfully concluded at Kuhuboto under Dimapur District on March 28. The health mela was conducted by Department of Health & Family Welfare Dimapur under the aegis of National Health Mission at Kuhuboto PHC. During the health mela, specialist doctors from various health programmes such as Universal Immunization Programme, National Vector Borne Diseases Control Program, National Leprosy Eradication Program, National Programme for Control of Blindness, Revised National TB Control Program, National Programme for Prevention & Control of Deafness, National Mental Health Program, National Tobacco Control Programme, AYUSH, DAPCU, General Medical
Adolescents of Kuhuboto perform street play on the importance of ANC during the health mela.
Officers and Lab Technicians were also available to examine the patients and for testing. Tubectomy as Family Planning service was also performed. Blood testing for Malaria and HIV/AIDS and sputum samples were collected. Street Play on the importance of ANC by adolescents of Kuhuboto was also performed during the health mela.
A total of 515 patients availed the services provided during the health mela. Five patients underwent Tubectomy. Interpersonal Communication on Safe motherhood, Immunization, ANC, Leprosy, Malaria, Hypertension and Iodine Deficiency were also carried out. Screening of PSA and documentaries on health topics were also aired
and IEC materials were also distributed. Free medicines were also distributed and compensations were also given to those beneficiaries opting for permanent method of Family Planning. Earlier the day, the health mela was inaugurated by Dr. Vikato Kinimi, CMO. He urged the public o avail the medical facilities which were brought to their door steps. During the brief inaugural function, Dr. Antoly, DCMO thanked the public of Kuhuboto and the neighbouring villages for their support and co-operation. The function was chaired by Aboto Chishi, HCMC Chairman, invocation prayer by Hevitoli, Youth Pastor, and vote of thanks was delivered by Ghoshito, KGPO President and Benediction by Inashi, ASHA Kuhuboto.
KVK Phek organises Soil Health Camp
ANGPTA Sub unit Shamator-Chessore Co-organizer would like to convey our happiness to the organiser of the programme Educational Empowerment & Training Programme for Chessore Shamator Teachers under the aegis of International Research & Exchange Board (IREx, Washington USA) from 23, 24 and 25 March 2017 in St. Christopher School Chessore, we appreciate to our Chief guest Advocate Mr. H. Mukam and our resource person Rev.Fr. Francis of St Christopher School Chessore, Miss Neikhrienuno Christina from Little Star School Dimapur and Madam Tonika Yepthomi from G.H.S. Diphupar B, our innumerable appreciation to organizer Rev. Fr. Francis who took a strong task for the benefits of teaching community in our area, I also give thanks to Mr. H. Mukam Head master GHS Chessore, Sir James Tokiu Rtd SI (SE) Chessore, teachers from government and private School who shared hand for the grand success of the programme, I strongly belief and pray that Almighty will bless to the Catholic community of Saint Augustine Church Chessore and the Students of Saint Christopher School Chessore who willingly contributed tea and meal and a room for the training. R. THRONGJI, General Secretary
tain tolerance within the groups while resist unfavorable situations and protect the already built institutions of the poor. He expressed gratitude to the leadership in SMMU NSRLM for providing support to organize the workshop under ‘FI Initiatives’ in Mon district. S.K Das, field officer of SBI Mon main branch, also participated in the meeting appealed the public to work hand in hand so as to bring positive changes in the public welfare system. Earlier, L. Hangsa Konyak, block program manager (BPM) Mon block shared on the history of NRLM, its vision and activities undertaken during the last 4 years in Mon block. The Bankers and SHG leaders also had a very healthy deliberation towards relation building. Altogether 83 participants comprised of grass-root level women leaders representing Village Level Organization (VLO), Bank Sakhi (BS), Village Facilitator (VF), Master Book Keeper (MBK) and Internal Community Resource Person (ICRP) respectively from the 18 villages of Mon block including bankers, DMMU and BMMU staff of NSRLM attended the program.
PhEK, march 29 (mExN): One day programme on Soil Health Camp was organised by KVK Phek, ICAR-NRC on Mithun under Soil Science division on March 27 where 20 students from Porba Government High School participated in the programme. During the programme, Dr. T Esther Longkumer, ACTO-Soil Science spoke on the importance of soil, fertility management based on bio fertilizers, green manuring crops and vermicompost production- importance and benefits of vermicomposting, different
Students of Porba Government High School with others during the programme on Soil Health Camp held on March 27.
methods involved in making of vermicompost, application doses to crops and also as a source of income generation. Procedures for
soil sample collection were demonstrated and different types of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers were also shown to the students.
This was stated in a press release issued by Dr. T Esther Longkumer, ACTO-Soil Science, KVK Phek, ICAR-NRC on Mithun.
fostering climate smart highland agriculture project Our Correspondent Kohima | March 29
The state government is taking up a project for “Fostering Climate Smart Highland Agriculture in rural areas of Nagaland” under the Externally Aided Project scheme, with funding from the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD). The tentative amount of the IFAD loan is US $ 35 million, which work out to Rs. 237.83 crores approximately, spread over a six year period, said Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu in his budget speech. The project will cover eight out of the 11 districts of the state. Dimapur district is not being included since it is located mostly in plain areas. Tuensang and Peren districts have been excluded as they are already covered under the World Bank supported “North East Rural Livelihoods Programme (NERLP.” The project will cover 1.3 lakh rural households, and will focus broadly on improving jhum areas and value chain development. Dr. Liezietsu stated that the main objective of this project is to restore the ecological balance by addressing the growing human needs through a harmonious blend of modern technological advances with traditional knowledge and experience.
Rs. 533 crores for improving forest eco-system Chief Minister Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu today announced that an important project is being implemented with external aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in the forestry sector. He said the project will aim at improving the forest eco-system and promote rural income generation through rehabilitation of jhum areas, while providing livelihood support in the project areas covering 79,000 hectares. The project has an overall cost of Rs. 533 crores, and will be implemented over the period of 10 years, he said. He said that this externally aided project including a project for “Fostering Climate Smart Highland Agriculture in rural areas of Nagaland” in agricultural sector in the rural areas of the state will transform “our rural landscape, and bring about improvements in the lives of our people.” The Chief Minister called upon all the officers involved in these two projects to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the projects are successfully implemented, in order that our credibility is enhanced in the eyes of external funding agencies, paving the way for more inflow of such funds to our state.