Community afforestation programme launched

NONGSTOIN: The sowing of the first seed as part of afforestation programme was carried out at Jaidoh village, Nongstoin Block on Monday.
The first seed was sown by local MLA D. Jyndiang in the presence of a team from Assam-based Organic Majuli, the village headman and the public.
The villages which incorporated the community nursery programme include Nongkhakrai,Umjei, Umkrem, Nongshillong, Laitkseh, Nongspyndeng, Ramsiangwar, Mawlyngdep, Porshih and Nongdiengkain. The community nursery and afforestation programme is a result of the convergence between the office of the Basin Development Unit along with the Soil & Water Conservation Department and MGNREGs.
The aim of planting the nurseries is to produce not less than 25000 saplings each, 10000 saplings are to be planted at the selected village site which is about 5 Ha, 15000 are to be used by the community, and the 15000 saplings can be fruit trees or other types which might have potential market value. The programme is also part of empowering the village communities in management of their natural resources and improving their livelihood by income generated from forest related activities.