IFAD to fund NE agriculture projects

Aizawl, Oct 13 (UNI) International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD) has assisted North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCRMP) to implement various agri-projects across NE region.

The Rs 159.36 crores project with Rs 109.92 crores fund from IFAD, in collaboration with North Eastern Council (NEC) would improve people's livelihood through capacity building and new technologies for sustainable agricultural growth.

About 2,443 Self Help Groups (SHGs) and 990 Natural Resources Management Groups were constituted by the authorities in 862 villages covering about 39203 families in six NE districts.

Besides, production of agriculture and horticulture crops like ginger, pineapple, banana, arecanut, passion fruit, chillies, patcholi, aloe vera and livestock development (pig and poultry) have been taken up successfully.

Small infrastructure development schemes like improvement of existing roads, waiting sheds-cum-collection centres, school buildings, community halls, water reservoirs, safe drinking water systems have also been taken up.

Ministry of DoNER had extended the project upto 31 March, 2008 by extending financial assistance of Rs 70 Lakh.

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