Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Sylvan campus hosts IWMP
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2011: A high-profile day-long orientation programme on Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) funded by the Ministry of Rural Development and implemented by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) under the Autonomous District Council, senapati was held at FEEDS/Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Sylvan Campus at Hengbung, senapati district on April 14 .

The orientation programme was attended by Education Minister DD Thaisii, Hill Areas Committee Chairman (MLA/Kangpokpi) Thangminlien Kipgen, MLA (Mao) M Thorii, MLA (Saikul) Haokholet Kipgen, MLA (Tadubi) Raina and Executive Director of the ADC H Rupachandra Singh.

Speaking as the resource person, Dr SK Vettivel emphasised and explained the participatory methodology of preparing village-level plans and the detailed project report with full involvement of the village community, especially women, from day-one of forming watershed committees.

Dr Vettivel, who has been conducting training programmes on IWDP in the State along with the FEEDS since 1995 and prepared the IFAD programme in addition to be the force behind implementation of IWDP in Ukhrul district currently, also advocated the watershed committees should be the decision-making bodies with regard to project activities, through consultation with subject matter specialists.

IWMP in progress at KVK-Sylvan

It is said that 'IWMP' has been transformed from 'IWDP' for focus on the issue entails convergence between different programmes such as NREGA, drought and rainfed area programmes.

Moreover, taking into account the huge impact the IWMP can make on the poor tribal people in the district, the DRDA reportedly conceptualised the particular programme in order to involve top policy makers and ADC members of the district for orientation on the salient features of IWMP so that it generates full political will and administrative support which was considered critical elements for successful implementation of the IWMP.

While Haokholet Kipgen affirmed his commitment to the IWMP and called upon KVK-Sylvan experts to undertake capacity-building programmes in addition to providing technical support, Education Minister Thasii opined that the watershed concept seemed more 'artificial' and suggested that 'natural' resources management concept that is more applicable to Manipur hill areas be adopted.

Minister Thasii also jovially said attending the orientation programme was like 'back to college' mood but nevertheless pledged full support of the State Government under the able leadership of the Chief Minister to make the flagship programme successful in the district.

While stressing on transparency and accountability for making it a productive venture, the Minister also prevailed upon all concerned on the need to organise similar programmes in other districts.