A young mother, Ms. Chongboi from S. Laijang village, says “Now I am able to teach English alphabets and numbers to my

children.The school is helping me and my family live a better life. I am happy and confident now”.

A RAY OF HOPENight school for the members of the SHGs

S. Laijang Village, under Senapati district of Manipur, is inhabited

by the Kuki community of around 160 residents. NERCORMP

adopted the village in 2010, and since then many positive changes

are seen in the village and amongst the communities. Prior to the

project intervention, stone quarry, charcoal making and daily labour

were the main sources of livelihood for the communities.

NERCORMP's approach and focus on women empowerment,

wherein womenfolk can set their goals and achieve them through

various income generating activities, has been a guiding force in

enabling the women to look ahead to a brighter future. Thus

Saheilom and Chullou Lom Self Help Groups (SHGs) were formed as

per Project's mandate and to help achieve the dreams of these

women. Prior to project intervention, villagers especially women were

ignorant about their rights in the family, community and society.

However, with the intervention of the Project and through series of capacity building and mobilization, there has been a positive

mindset change. They are now involved in various developmental programmes in their village. The SHG's are now actively

implementing income generating activities like piggery, poultry, petty shop, etc. and as a result fewer villagers are engaged in

charcoal making, stone quarry etc for their livelihood.

These SHGs have not limited themselves in income generation

activities but have also taken steps to promote literacy amongst their

group members. Since the women manage the funds received from

the Project, they have to maintain the bank account and have

regular meetings to spend the funds for the right purpose. Such

activities inspired them to be willingness to learn read and write.

With this aspiration, the SHG members started a night school with

support from the NaRMG and village authorities, who donated study

materials and other stationeries. The Secretary of the village, Mr..

Hensei Haokip volunteered to teach the group in the night school.

Around 20-30 women in age group 18-50 years got enrolled. A big challenge that these women have is irregular power supply.

The women have to bring their own lantern or solar lamps for the classes. Today, as a result of the night school, more than 10

members between the age group of 18-50 years can now read and write. Now they are more confident, with a broader mindset

and outlook.

The Night School, initiated and fully owned by the community, brings a ray of hope to fulfil their dreams to be able to read and

write.

Ms. Nenem: 'Now I can write my own name, the night School is so important for me, I will continue to learn more in days to come. Ms. Lhingnu: “I can now add and subtract, there will be no problem anymore when the money is divided in our group,

and also when we start having surplus money in the group”.

Contributed by Khaimang Chongloi, SO, Partner NGO-IRMA & Alien Khongsai, IDO, Senapati

SHG women attending the Night School

1

ISSUE 2MARCH, 2013

Newsletter of the North Eastern Region Community Resources Management Project for Upland Areas (NERCORMP) - A joint project of North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India and International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD].

From the desk of the Managing Director

Terracing : A conservation measure for upland areas

Situated about 110 km away from Hamren Town, in Karbi Anglong, Assam, Rongchek -2 village, has around 67 households and was adopted by NERCORMP in 2010. The primary source of livelihood of the communities here is traditional jhum cultivation.

With the intervention of the project, terrace cultivation was introduced to the communities and financial aid was

sanctioned for taking up the activity. Since terrace cultivation was a new practise for them, communities initially were

reluctant. The project team held discussions with the village Natural Resource Management groups (NaRMGs), explaining

the advantages of terrace cultivation and other benefits. The communities were convinced on the various benefits of

terrace cultivation like i) irrigation, ii) soil erosion, iii) soil nutrient bleching, iv) water availability round the year and cultivation

at close proximity to the village, etc, and agreed to take up terrace farming as an alternative method of cultivation. They

selected a barren land covering an area of 9 hectares and started preparing the terrace field, where each household got

around 0.13 hectares each. The NaRM-G members worked together in their individual plots and converted the barren land

North Eastern Region Community Resources Management Project for Upland areas (NERCORMP) is a joint livelihood project of Ministry of DoNER, NEC- Government of India and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations.

The overall objective of NERCORMP is to improve the livelihood of vulnerable groups in a sustainable manner through improved management of their resource base in a way that contributes to preservation and restoration of the environment.

The project is now in its second phase and is operating in six districts of the region covering Manipur, Meghalaya & Assam.

The NE Highlander is a Quarterly news le t te r o f NERCORMP. As publishers of this newsletter, we hope that it will be able to enrich the readers with new ideas and enthusiasm.

The NE Highlander is for free circulation. Readers are invited to contribute their views, articles, letters and photographs etc.

Chief Editor : Mr. L.Baite, MD, NERCORMP

Editors : Mr. K. H. Singh, Director (Admn.)

Dimple S. Das, Comm. Officer

stNERCORMP, 1 floor, Sympli Building,Dhankheti-Malki, Shillong 793001,

Meghalaya.

Phones : +91(364) 2500495, 2500497Fax : +91(364) 2500027

Friends,

Greetings from NERCORMP.

I take this opportunity to thank all in NERCORMP for reaching out to the most remote areas of the region and extending support to the poor communit ies. Considering the rough road ahead, it will not

be easy to succeed unless we have a firm determination to strive harder. Therefore, we need to keep community service before self to achieve our goal.

Through this edition of our NE Highlander, I would like to appeal to all staffs to be ready for the ensuing Mid Term Review from 22nd April to 10th May 2013. Let us ensure that the model and good practices of NERCORMP are interpreted in the right perspective in order to reflect our good deeds across the world.

Let us look forward to see more greenery and million contented smiles.

L.Baite, IFSMD, NERCORMP

2

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MID TERM RI W,

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2 n A ril-10th May, 2013

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Terracing Implemented by Rongcheck NaRM-G

Shifting cultivation (jhum) is the main source of livelihood of

the communities in the upland areas of the district besides

non timber forest produce (NTFP) particularly wild vegetables and fruit. When the jhum cycle was 15 years or more until

about mid-70s, the communities could get better yield from

the jhum fields. The situations gradually changed particularly

since the 1980s with increasing over exploitation of forest

resources, increase in human population, increase in cultivation areas for jhum, competing land use changes for

developmental activities (such as construction of national

highway & railway line, construction of new settlements),

illegal and unregulated extraction of timber, bamboo

resources, etc. With increase in land pressure for shifting

cultivation, the jhum practice was gradually being pushed

towards forest catchment areas, which has led to serious

environmental consequences with severe impacts on the

biodiversity. The regeneration of vegetation and formation of

secondary forest has become limited due to the shortening of

jhum cycles, which does not allow sufficient time for

Innovation and LearningSRI: Innovative technology as driver of food security for the upland shifting cultivators in Dima Hasao District in Assam

Brief description of challenges in Dima Hasao district

Contributed by Bitupon Bora, BDO and Paresh Kalita, NRMO, NERCORMP- Karbi Anglong

regeneration of the forest. The shortening of the jhum cycles

is again one of the main causes for soil erosion and water conservation challenges in the hills, resulting in low

production of food crops and thus causing food insecurity

(food security is only for 5-6 months in spite of a full year of

hard work in the jhum field). Although the adverse effect of

jhum cultivation is felt by the communities, many of them

attempt to compensate by increasing the cultivation area,

which has further caused faster resource degradation. The

resultant impact has been drying up of water sources and

depletion of nutrient from the jhum fields.

Project approach to address the constraints/challenge • Sensitizing the NaRM-G in natural resource

management at the village and cluster level

• Awareness programme on biodiversity conservation

• Organising training programmes on Comprehensive

Forest Management

• Linking biodiversity conservation with different

livelihood activities and also providing alternative

sources of livelihood (income generating activities,

into a terrace field. The entire process of land clearance, digging, and levelling were done by the communities. With the

initiative from the NaRMG leaders, the communities cultivated two different crops in two seasons. In the first year, on an

average they harvested about 400 kg. of paddy per bigha. They have cultivated local varieties of rice like Pankaj, Ranjit and

Motisar etc., and are expecting a good harvest. The community is now motivated to continue this practice in future too. They

also plan to take up relay cropping by growing peas, which will not only increase their income but also make the soil fertile.

The practice of terracing, with its many benefits and good conservation strategy have been accepted by the

communities and efforts of promoting it in other project areas has been taken up by the NaRMG, NGOs and also the district

team of NERCORMP.

3

off farm activities like- weaving, petty shop, handicraft,

tailoring, piggery, dairy, goatery) that would address its

sustainable use and conservation

• Organising training programmes on new technologies

(SRI: in the district as a whole).

Identifying and developing low lands in the valleys and

development of terraces for SRI demonstrations and

promotion.

Significant change in cultivation through SRI methods documented by the communities :

• In SRI system, the issue of land and water management is addressed.

• Increase in yield of rice from much smaller area and with much lesser quantity of seeds.

• Use of locally made bamboo trays for rice nursery

development ensures much easier and cheaper ways

of transporting seedlings in upland areas.

· The communities have started experimenting by

combining the SRI technique with the indigenous

methods and have developed nursery using bamboo

tray, baskets etc to sow the treated seeds for

germination. They observed that here the seeds

germinate faster, (within 1-2 weeks) and are more

healthy and giving a better yield. In this technique, less

seeds are required and thus save resources, time and

energy of the farmers

Advantages in SRI :

• Two kg of seed per Acre of land as compared to 8-10 kg of seeds per acre in traditional broadcasting method.

• On an average 60-80 tillers per stalk.

• SRI is convenient for local and Hybrid variety.

• Water requirement is 40-50% less than traditional

system.

• More resistance to disease & pest attacks.

• More resistance to wind

• More numbers of lengthy and strong roots

• It bears more vigor and strong tillers.

• Rice under SRI can be harvested 10-15 days earlier

as compared to traditional cultivation.

• Plant growth takes place immediately after

transplanting. It takes 10-12 days to start the process

in traditional system.

• Good harvest; yields under SRI are twice that of

traditional system.

Impacts and challenges :

The following impacts were outlined by the communities

following adoption of SRI:• Increasing interest for land development in the

valleys for SRI cultivation, including interest for terrace development.

• Increased interest for rainwater harvesting and water

management.

• Reduction in areas under shifting cultivation.

• Increased yields of rice and food security.

• Learning new technology with positive results and

facilitate people's interest in food crop production and

farming.

• The challenges while every household would like to

have their lands developed for SRI, fund availability

and also availability of suitable land is limited.

• Additionally, rainwater harvesting is also a

challenges due to land gradients and topographical

conditions, transportation of iron rods and cement

are not easy due to absence of motorable roads for

construction of rainwater harvesting structures.

A report on the training and workshop of low cost bakery ovenThe training on 'Operation & Management of Low Cost Bakery Oven' was organized by the Marketing Sector, NERCORMP in collaboration with State Council of Science, Technology & Environment, Shillong from February 18 - 21, 2013 at Shillong Science Centre, NEHU Campus, Mawlai. A total of 12 participants (Business Development Officers', NGO Representative & SHG members') from four Development Support Teams' of NERCORMP participated in the four day training which included class room training, practical training, group work by the participants, practical test and presentation.

Submitted by Abhijeet Sarkar, Marketing Coordinator, NERCORMP

Rice nursery in bamboo trays

4

A report on the terra madre held in Turin, ItalythThe Salone del Gusto and Terra Madre was held in Turin, Italy from October 24

thto 30 , 2012, which was participated by Mr. U.K. Sangma, IAS, Chairman, NERCORMP and Secretary, NEC, Mr. L. Baite, Managing Director, Mr. Adrian Marbaniang, Director (M&E) and Mr. James Kharkongor, Project Manager from NERCORMP. The event brought together food communities from across 150 countries to share and learn from each other through presentations and discussions. The event was organised by Slow Food International, Italy. During the event, NERCORMP products like honey, spices, tuber crops, etc were displayed which was highly appreciated by the international community.

The delegates also participated in a three day training workshop which focused on the practical aspects of promoting agrobiodiversity, ecological agriculture

Mei-Ramew Food FestivalThe Mei-Ramew Food festival was jointly organised by NERCORMP, North

East Slow Food and Agrobiodiversity Society (NESFAS), MRDS, The Hima th thMawphlang, KSO and William Lewis Boys Home on 14 -15 , December

2012 at Mawphlang, Meghalaya. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Mukul

Sangma, Honourable Chief Minister, Meghalaya. The food festival brought

together indigenous communities from 27 ethnic communities who had

displayed their rich biodiversity and traditional food cuisines, handloom,

handicraft, cultural events, etc from across the North East including the six

project districts of NERCORMP, Thailand and South India.

Submitted By A.Marbaniang, Director (M&E)

Submitted By A.Marbaniang, Director (M&E)Cultural event by the communities

and food sovereignty which was designed to provide participants with practical tools to enhance their advocacy capacity at local and international level. The workshop was organised by The Indigenous Partnership for Agrobiodiversity and Food

nd thSovereignty, hosted by Bioversity International, Rome, Italy from 2 to 4 , November 2012.

th thAn exposure trip to Andhra Pradesh Mahila Abhivruddhi Society (APMAS), Hyderabad from 18 -28 of January 2013, was lead

by HB Rocky Anal, the Micro Credit Officer, NERCORMP, along with the IDOs from the project districts as well the members of

SHG Federations, Apex bodies and NGO staff. The main objective of this exposure visit was to understand the structure of

Federation and APEX in reference to the two most successful CBO models, the Andhra Pradesh Model and the MYRADA

Model in Karnataka. The team got the opportunity to visit and interact with the SHGs, Federation and APEX members and

officials. The following were the lessons learned during the exposure visit.

EXPOSURE TRIP TO APMAS, HYDERABAD

Lessons learned :

• Commitment: A high level of commitment amongst the

members and leaders, who believed that they can

empower the society through the participatory

involvement of the communities at the group or federation

levels.

· Management : Management of human resource is very

effective and efficient. . These institutions impart intensive

trainings and capacity building of the staff and community

members.

• Linkages: Linkages between the CBOs and the financial

institution and the Government department is strong and

5

effective. The CBOs avail benefits provided by the Government and financial institutions.

• Ownership: The CBOs give importance to their institution and members actively took part in the management activities,

thus building a sense of ownership within the members/groups.

• Principles: The principles, rules and regulations of these CBOs are well written, which helps the members to smoothly run

these bodies as well as sustain them.

• Success: The success and vibrancy of these groups have enabled them to thrive and also generate many income

generating activities. With a good linkage with Government and Financial Institutions, their sustainability is ensured.

KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Knowledge Management and Knowledge Sharing workshop for the district team and NGOs were held in all the six project

districts Ukhrul. Senapati, Dima Hasao, Karbi Anglong, West Garo hills and West Khasi Hills of NERCORMP during

December 2012- January 2013.

During the workshop various

Knowledge Sharing tools and

methods like “KM Relation Mapping”,

Jumpstart storytelling and ‘World

Cafe' were used to share knowledge

among the participants. The NGOs

were also briefed on the concept of

Knowledge Management and

Knowledge sharing and its benefits.

The workshop was conducted by Ms

Dimple S. Das, Communication

Officer, NERCORMP in Dima Hasao

and the KM focal points in the other

five districts.

Training cum Workshop on Gender Mainstreaming and Knowledge ManagementNERCORMP organised a three day training programme cum workshop on Gender Mainstreaming and Knowledge

Management from 29th to 31st January 2013 at the National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), North Eastern Regional

Centre, NIRD Lane, Jawaharnagar, Khanapara, Guwahati. The three day training session was inaugurated by Dr. Binay

Singh, Director NIRD, Guwahati and the key note

address was given by Mr. K. H. Singh, Director ( Admn.),

NERCORMP. The participants for this programme were

the project personnel of NERCORMP from six district

offices in the states of Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya

as well as functionaries of the partner NGOs in these six

project districts. The objective of this training was to

develop and strengthen the gender orientation of the

project staff and partner NGO personnel with particular

reference to the women's issues in northeast India and

develop a sound understanding of Knowledge

Management and Knowledge Sharing Techniques.

Topics covered during the workshop : Women's

issues in Upland Area Livelihoods, Gender

Mainstreaming in M&E of projects, Women and Education in Northeast India, Gender Equity and Division of Labour in

Northeast India, Gender Based Violence, Reproductive and Child Health, Domestic Violence Act, Gender and Livelihood,

Traditional and Customary Laws relating to women of northeast India, Gender sensitive approach to community mobilisation,

Legal Aid for women, Knowledge Management.

Eminent development functionaries facilitated the sessions, Dr. Abhijit Sharma, Associate Professor Indian Institute of

Bank Management, Guwahati, Dr. Archana Sharma, Director, Women Studies Research Centre, Gauhati University, Dr.

Saundarjya Borbora, Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Ms.

Ruchira Neog, Executive Director , Voluntary Health Association of India, Guwahati, Dr. Shiela Bora, Guest Faculty, Women

Studies Research Centre, Gauhati University, and Dr. Jeuti Barua, Director, Law Research Institute, Guwahati High Court,

Guwahati.

6

A training programme on 'Project Management, Planning,

Implementation and Evaluation for NERCORMP was

organized by by Mr. K Hrishikesh Singh, Director

(Administration) at IIM- Shillong on the 15th & 16th of

January 2013. The two day training session was attended

by the Project Managers, Project Technical Officers from

the districts and officers from the Regional Society. The

inaugural function was graced by Shri U K Sangma, IAS,

Secretary NEC and Chairman, NERCRMS.

TRAINING AT IIM

TRAININGs CONDUCTED BY TECHNICAL SECTORth thTraining on Infrastructure was conducted by the Technical Sector from 16 to 20 April 2012, at DBI, Kharguli, Guwahati.

The training was attended by the NERCORMP district teams, NGO staff and also communities. The training was conducted

by Mr. K. Sani Mao, Chief Technical Officer, NERCORMP, and the following topics were covered during the five day training

session: Basics of Measurement; drawing software and

resource mapping; excel planning an AWPB; Overcoming

resource crunch to resourcefulness, Specifications of work

items relating to dimensions, quality, procedure, descriptions

and curing times, Measurement of work and MB and assets

register entry.

As a follow up of the above training six more different

trainings on, Safe Drinking Water, Renewable Energy, Rural

electrification and Masonry in NERCORMP Project, were

held in the project districts from July 2012 February 2013.

Inauguration of Kharam IVR in Senapati district

Participation in the WangalaFestival in

West Garo Hills

The inter village road constructed by the project at Kharam

Pallel measuring a distance of 3 km was inaugurated by

Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Honourable Minister, IFCD Govt.

of Manipur on 9th November 2012. On the same day, the

Honourable Minister also inaugurated the NEAT Market

Shed and Collection Shed at T. Laijang village.

The annual festival of the Garos, Wangala, was held during

the month of November. During the festival NERCORMP

West Garo Hills, set up a stall to exhibit various products

made by the communities, such as Aloe vera, cane &

bamboo, designer candle, Nokrek honey & Durama Tea

products.

The training was attended by the district project team, NGO staff (Community Coordinators and Supervising Officers). The

training was conducted by Mr K. Sani Mao, Chief Technical Officer and Mr K.Vaiphei, Asst Project Officer, NERCORMP and

included the following components:

• Basics of Rural Renewable energy and Rural Electrification

• Basics of Measurement

• Basics of Water for Drinking and Irrigation

• Basics of Energy

• Basics of Measurement Calculation

• Basics of Building and Roads construction

7

Trainings Conducted

• Knowledge Management Training for DST and NGO

staff was held in Dima Hasao, Ukhrul, Senapati and

West Khasi Hills, West Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills

between December 2012- January 2013• Gender Mainstreaming and Knowledge Management

Workshop for DST and NGO staff was held from 29-31

January 2013.• Technical sector trainings were organized (phase wise)

:16th to 20th April 2012, at DBI, Kharguli, Guwahati, and

in the 6 project districts from July 2012 February 2013• Training programme on 'Project Management,

Planning, Implementation and Evaluation for

NERCORMP was organized by IIM- Shillong on the

15th & 16th of January 2013.• Workshop on Operation and Management of Low Cost

Bakery Oven was organized in collaboration with State

Science and Technology Department, Meghalaya from

18-21 February 2013. The workshop was attended by

the staff of DST and NGO including the communities

from the project districts.

Trainings / Meetings attended

Mr. Dhrubajyoti Nath attended the IFAD National 1.

Workshop on Finance held in New Delhi on 6 &7

September 2012.

2. Mr. L.Baite,IFS , MD NERCORMP, attended the Bhutan

+10 : Gender and Sustainable Mountain Development in

a Changing world organized by ICIMOD, in Thimpu from

15-19 October 2012.

3. Mr. U.K. Sangma, Secretary NEC and Chairman,

NERCORMP, Mr L.Baite, MD, NERCORMP, Mr Adrian

Marbanaiang, (Dir M & E) and Mr James Kharkongor ,

PM (WKH) attended the Salone Gusto &Terra Madre

2012 in Turin, Italy from 24-30 October 2012.

4. Ms. Mary Hmar, PTO, Dima Hasao attended the National

Conference on Tribal held in Bhubaneswar, Orrisa.

5. Ms. Dimple S. Das, Communication Officer attended the

workshop on Gender and Knowledge Management

organised by IFAD and PTSLP, Tamil Nadu, in Chennai st thfrom 1 - 5 October 2012.

6. Mr. Adrian Marbanaiang, (Dir M&E) attended the training

on M&E organized by IFAD in Pune from October 8-10

2012.

7. Mr. K.H.Singh, Dir. (Admin) and Mr. Abhijeet Sarkar, thMarketing Coordinator attended the 8 NE Business

Summit jointly organized by Ministry of DoNER and th thIndian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi on 9 -10

January 2013.

8. Mr. K.H Singh, Director (Admin) made a presentation on

NERCORMP's approach to poverty alleviation at a

workshop jointly organized by FICCI and Indiana

University, USA on 9 March 2013 at New Delhi.

9. Mr. K.H. Singh, Director (Admin) and Mr. D.Nath,

Director (Fin.) attended a Round table on Mainstreaming Inclusive Business at ICIMOD, Kathmandu, Nepal on 15

March 2013.

Visit of IIPA teamA 10-member team from the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, with representation of officers from different Ministries and Defence services visited NERCORMP.The team comprised officers of the rank of Joint Secretary level and of the rank and equivalent of Brigadier from defence services. The visiting officers had discussion with the PSU team and also visited Tithaliar, a project village under NERCORMP-West Khasi Hills on the 20th of November 2012.

Visit of IFAD TeamThe IFAD India Country Coordinator, Ms. Meera Mishra along with IFAD Consultants, Mr. Edward Mallorie and Mr. Shreekanta Shetty visited NERCORMP on the 21st of March 2013. A presentation on NERCORMP was made by Mr D.Nath, Director (Finance) followed by detailed discussion on achievements and implementation challenges of NERCORMP.

CONGRATULATIONS

WELCOME

· Shri U.K Sangma, IAS, Secy NEC and Chairman

NERCORMP for taking over as Secretary, Ministry of DoNER, Govt of India.

Shri M.Iboyaima Meitei, former Coordinator (NR) ·NERCORMP as Advisor (Horti), NEC, Govt of India, Shillong.

• Shri Anil Kumar, IFS, Addl PCCF, MOEF, Govt of India,

Shillong (Member of Board of Management, NERCRMS).

• Shri G. K.Chin Khaute, as Financial Advisor, NEC.

• Mr. Mihin Dollo as Coordinator, NERCORMP.

• Ms. Anjeli Marak as IDO, NERCORMP, West Garo

Hills.

• Mr. Somipam Longleng as NRMO, NERCORMP,

Ukhrul.

8

ERCORMP, N

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