APC Kikheto calls on IFAD Country Director

November 26, 2020 99 Views No Comment

• Nagaland among non-performing states
• Prospect of seed bank in the State

Dimapur, November 25 (MExN): The Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, who is also the Managing Director of FOCUS (Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems) Project under IFAD (International Fund for Agriculture Development), met Rasha Yousef Omar, Country Director of IFAD at the United Nations Office at Lodhi Road, New Delhi on November 25.

APC Kikheto stated that FOCUS Project was started in Nagaland in 2018, for a period of six years and was launched in January 14, 2019. However, the project was initially delayed and further implementation during the current year could not be taken up as expected owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FOCUS project is being implemented covering 647 villages in eight districts of Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung, Longleng, Mon, Phek, Kiphire and Zunheboto.

He highlighted that out of the total project cost of Rs. 612.42 crore, the total amount of IFAD loan is Rs. 273.70 crore, which is 44.70% of the total project cost; and IFAD grant is Rs. 3.74 crore, which is 0.61%.

The balance amount is to be funded in the form of salaries to the officers and staff is drawn from the Agri and allied departments, which consist of about 19.34 % and the remaining 35.35%, are to be funded through convergence from line departments under CSS schemes and farmers’ contributions. He, however, stated that convergence of fund and activities from the line departments could not be possible as expected due to various practical difficulties which have also delayed the projects.

“Several meetings are being held with the Agri and allied departments and they have been requested to come forward for convergence in the coming years,” stated Kikheto.

He also stated that so far, the FOCUS could receive pre-financing of only Rs 35 crore from the State Government in two years as against Rs 273.70 crore IFAD loan for six years which is hardly 13%. He admitted that at this rate the projects would not be able to achieve it targeted goal. He also informed that the State Finance Department has assured to pre-finance the project in spite of its resource constraints provided that the same is reimbursed by IFAD early.

Kikheto further stated that while appreciating the design of the project there are some particular difficulties in implementations and requested IFAD to be reviewed whenever necessary for the smooth implementation of the project.

Rasha Yousef Omar, Country Director of IFAD while appreciating the visit of the APC Nagaland, expressed concern for the non-performing states of Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Mizoram, and Nagaland.

She assured that a midterm review of the project would be taken up in the month of January or February. The Country Director stated that she would give special focus for the success of the project for all the non-performing States particularly for the states of Nagaland and Mizoram. She has also stated that with the active leadership and participation of APC Nagaland and his Team, she wishes to see changes and improvement of the project from non-performing to performing state.

While discussing that the importance should be given to the local seeds, Rasha Omar admitted that the State of Nagaland can be a seed hub. Kikheto stated that the State Government will be taking it up with the concerned Ministry for consideration of seed-bank in Nagaland for the North East Region (NER).

Kikheto stated that recently the Project implementation Team (PITs) has been given more power, responsibility to carry out the project in the respective districts coordinating with the District Agriculture Officers. He assured that the Nagaland FOCUS Team would try its best to take Nagaland from a non-performing position to that of a performing state and requested continuous help and guidance from the IFAD.

Kikheto was accompanied by the OSD, Planning, Nagaland House, New Delhi, Thomas Thailu.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/apc-kikheto-calls-on-ifad-country-director