140/2023-2024

Aizawl 25th July, 2023: The Green-Ag Project, Mizoram with the objective to “To catalyse transformative change of India’s agricultural sector to support achievement of National and Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs) and conservation of critical biodiversity and forest landscapes” held their 7th State Steering Committee (SSC) this morning at 9:30 AM at the Secretariat’s Conference Hall, MINECO, New Capital Complex, Aizawl.

The meeting was conducted under the chairmanship of Dr Lalrozama, Secretary of Agriculture, Govt. of Mizoram& SSC Chairman, Green-Ag Project, Mizoram. The chairman welcomed all the SSC members and gave a special introduction to the UN-Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) representatives of India; Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, UN-FAO Representative of India (FAOR) and Mr RB Sinha, Project Director & Senior Policy Advisor (NRM), Green-Ag Project.

After the introductory, Mr James Lalsiamliana, Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Mizoram & SSC Member Secretary, Green-Ag Project, Mizoram delivered the compliance and achievement reports of the project implementations in the Dampa-Thorangtlang Landscape of Mizoram. Some of the highlights of the Green-Ag progress reports are:

Development of Crop Suitability Matrix and Ground Truthing for soil suitability of Sticky Rice, Maize and Sesame.

Distribution of 2000 Rainbow rooster on 2nd March 2023 in convergence with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, under National Livestock Mission ‘Rural Backyard Poultry Development for Mizoram State’.

Capacity Building on Seed Treatment & Storage for Women farmer (Rice, MizoChilli, Maize and for indigenous vegetables Brinjal, Solanumspp, Cow pea, French bean)

15 MiSALT Demonstration plots established in 9 high priority villages under the Project landscape at Lunglei and Mamit District.

Observation of World Environment Day (5th June, 2023) at the followings:

i. Govt. Middle School, Bunghmun, Lunglei District.
ii. Govt. Middle School, Sesawm, Lunglei District.
iii. Govt. Middle School, Damparengpui, Mamit District.
iv. Govt. Middle School, Phuldungsei, Mamit District.
v. Govt. Middle School, West Phaileng, Mamit District.
vi. Govt. Middle School, New West Phaileng, Mamit District.

Development of Communication product: In order to capacitate the farmers and to help them technically sound, the following communication product has been developed and prepared in local language for distribution as follows:

a. Booklet of Greenhouse cultivation of Tomato
b. Farmers guide to MiSALT booklet
c. Booklet on Management of Rainbow Rooster
d. Leaflet on Seed Treatment and Storage

Classical Swine Fever (CSF) mass vaccination drive at project villages in Mamit and Lunglei district during April - May 2023 in convergence with State AH &Vety Dept.

Following the project progress report from the SSC member secretary, the committee deliberated and approved the following agendas:

1. Annual Work-Plan and Budget for 2023-24 with amount Rs. 2,66,43,815.
2. Project management (staff increment, TA/DA, Medical Insurance etc.)
3. Restructuring of the State Steering Committee (SSC)

The meeting concluded with special remarks from Mr Takayuki Hagiwara, UN-FAO Representative of India (FAOR).

After the meeting, the SSC Chairman and the visiting UN-FAO team met with Dr Renu Sharma, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram. In this meeting the SSC chairman and the visiting UN-FAO team appraised the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Mizoram about the project progress and stressed the importance of multi-sectoral approach in achieving the project objectives.

Later in the evening, the UN-FAO teamdeparted Aizawl for Lunglei for their Mission Field Visit.