BRIEF ACTIVITIES REPORT 2014

1.            All Mizoram Farmers Union is conducting organic certification under the Spices Board of India. The selected members of AMFU from various villages of N. Lungpher, Dulte, Khawzawl and Chawngtlai, Kawnpui, Bualpui, Hortoki, who has been cultivating organic ginger are given Subsidy @ Rs. 12,500 /- per Hectare under Organic Ginger Cultivation Scheme. Simultaneously, under Organic Cultivation of Lakadong Turmeric 18 villages are included for the organic certification. This organic certification is conducted under the Organic Certifying Agency named USOCA. This certifying agency will give the certificate to the AMFU after the organic farms are fully converted.

2.      In Collaboration with Spices Board of India, Large Cardamom sprouts were given to farmers at Champhai, N. Vanlaiphai, Mualcheng, Leng, East Lungdar villages along with Subsidy of Rs 17,500 per Hectare.

3.      As we have received fund from National Medicinal Plants Board, Awareness Campaign drive was conducted in collaboration with State Medicinal Plants Board covering all the District of Mizoram.

4.      Since 2002 AMFU has been promoting Silk Worm Rearing and Mulberry Plantation among the farmers. During the year 2002 the total production of Silk Worm in Mizoram was around 100 quintals that has recently increased to 350 quintals and above. Every year there is around 1 Crore of new Mulberry tree plantation.

5.      In collaboration with NABARD and ICAR, Training on Bio Dynamic Organic Compost was organized at ICAR Complex Kolasib for AMFU Members from three Districts viz. Champhai, Serchhip and Kolasib.

6.      AMFU is selected as PIA (Project Implementing Agency) for IWDP/Haryali Project number V at Lunglei District, and this project was taken up since February, 2006. Further, the Kolasib V Project was also in progress since 2008.

7.      AMFU Gen. Hqrs.is also selected as PIA for IWMP Aizawl-VII at Aizawl district. The project will cost 750 crore covering 5000 hectare. This project will start from 2011.

8.      In collaboration with NABARD, AMFU is taking up Project on WADI Model village at Mamit District with a special focus to Tribal people in Mizoram to cover 500 Families in the district. The main focus of the project is on livelihood promotion of farmers under Horticulture development.

9.      Indo Global Social Service Society (IGSSS) is one of the foreign funding agencies that provides grant to AMFU for development support in project basis. AMFU has selected the following village: Lungchhuan, Bawktlang, Chekawn, Sialsir and Piller as project Villages for Model Village demonstration platforms. Formation of Self Help Group and Sloppy Agriculture Land Technology (SALT) Farming practices will be introduced in these selected villages.

10.    Mizoram is rich in Bamboo Forest and the forest Bamboos are yet to be utilized. So far, only 2% of the Bamboos have been explored. At present most of the Bamboos in Mizoram is exported to Hindustan Paper Corporation which is the second larges paper Mill in India located at Cachar and more than 60% of the requirement of Cachar Paper Mill is met by Mizoram Bamboo. Utilization of forest products such as bamboo can enhance the Mizo farmers income generation if only a reliable Infrastructure is developed and Paper Mills could be established in Mizoram.  Therefore, AMFU will take necessary actions to establish Paper Mills in Mizoram in the near future.

11.  By the initiative of Youth Employment Summit, AMFU as the Host Organisation has organized a two (2) months course on Personality Development Training in AMFU Office. Seven persons were sent to Hyderabad to undergo training on Renewable Energy and five persons were sent for training on Rural Employment (Agriculture) in Rural Resources Training Centre, Umran Shillong. All the objectives of these programmes are on Capacity Building for youth to enable themselves for sustainability income generation.

12.    AMFU has taken up the project of Integrated Bee keeping programme in Mizoram under Ministry of Commerce Government of India through Kejiriwal Bee Care Pvt Ltd India. Presently AMFU has distributed 1200 Bee Hives to the farmers in all the Districts of Mizoram.

13.    In order to avail Vanilla cutting to farmers for plantation AMFU has cultivated Vanilla rooting cutting in the Kolasib Nursery. 25,150 Vanilla sprouts has been distributed to 209 farmers in the presence of Mr. K. Lalrinliana MLA of Kolasib District.

14.    AMFU Mushroom Unit given by Agriculture Minister Mizoram was installed at Serchhip. This machine will give the seeds of Mushroom to be cultivated by the farmers to give them income generation.

15.    North East Network organized Training on Advocacy. This training has provided us with a vast knowledge about Advocacy. A future collaboration will be arranged with the North East Network to enhance our knowledge for practical Advocacy in the development sector.

16.    With the financial help from by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Mizoram Regional Office, Aizawl, AMFU constructed Rural Haat (Bazar) in many places in Mizoram, viz:

            1.         Lengpui Chiahpui – the roadside of Aizawl to Lengpui Airport.

            2.         Keifang

            3.         Dulte

            4.         Bualpui

                         

                        At present another Rural Haat has been proposed and some are till under construction.

17.    Since 2006, Rubber plantation has been implemented successfully in an area of 200 hectare covering 45 families at Hortoki Village – Kolasib District

18.    AMFU has taken up an active role in the ‘Flagship Programme’ of the State Govt. Programme NLUP (New Land Use Policy) for the farmers in 5 Districts & 7 Sub-Div. The remaining 3 districts viz. Aizawl, Serchhip and Mamit districts is yet to be taken up. In collaboration with the Agriculture & Horticulture Deptt., AMFU organized Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness. All these programs were attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lal Thanhawla along with the concerned Ministers, MLA and other various VIP’s of the Government of Mizoram. The awareness campaign was a great success.

The details are mentioned below:-

PLACE             DATE                         PROGRAMME

i)       Darlawn    20th May ‘09    Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

ii)      Kawnpui   12th June ‘09    Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

iii)     Vairengte  19th June ‘09    Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

iv)     Chawngte  17th  Aug ‘09   Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

v)      Tlabung     12th  Sept ‘09   Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

vi)     Kolasib      25th Sep ‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

vii)    Kawrthah  03rd Oct ‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

viii)   Champhai  09th Oct ‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness & Crop Exhibition

ix)     Khawzawl 17th Nov‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

x)      Saiha         7th Nov‘09       Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

xi)     Lawngtlai  18th Nov‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

xii)    Lunglei      19th Nov‘09     Farmers meet on NLUP Awareness

19.    AMFU Gen. Hqrs. had sent 10 farmers for Training on Rubber Plantation at RRTC, Rubber Research Training Centre, Hahara, Assam on the 26^th to 30^th Oct. 2009.

20.    The AMFU General Headquarters have constructed Rural Haat at four (4) different places during 2009-2010 under sponsorship of NABARD, Regional Office Aizawl Mizoram. These Rural Haats provide tremendous help to the farmers in selling their agriculture products. Presently, the AMFU Gen. Hqrs. is also constructing Rural Haat in three (3) different places.

21.    Green Revolution Movement was launched by the AMFU in 2008. In this connection, the AMFU Gen. Hqrs. in collaboration with Department of Agriculture and Allied Department organised a two days workshop on Sustainable Agriculture Revolution at Art & Culture Auditorium, Berawtlang. Aizawl during 2^nd – 3^rd Sept. 2010.

22.    A State Level Meeting on WRC Farmers was jointly organised on the 25^th Jan 2011 at Aizawl by the AMFU and Department of Agriculture © Mr. Lal Thanhawla, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Mizoram has declared 2011 as a year of bumper harvesting for Rice.

23.    The AMFU President Mr. R Lalduhawma and the General Secretary Mr. Zion Lalremruata has attended TDF Project training programme iniciated by NABARD. Which was held in Varsal District, Gujarat, from the 21^st. – 24^th. March, 2011. On their way back, they have further attended a three Days’ Workshop on Emerging Challenges of Agriculture in the North East held from the 26^th. – 28^th. March, 2011.

24.    In agreement to work together, The North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) and AMFU signed an MOU on the 5^th. May, 2011. On behalf of AMFU Mr. Zion Lalremruata, the General Secretary of AMFU signed the MOU on which Mr. H. Taithuama, President Champhai District signed as the witness of this memorable event. Ensuring the MOU, AMFU has at present received 4 Mushroom Units.

25.    In various parts of Mizoram, Farmers Day was observed Officially on the 14^th. Jan, 2012.  The AMFU actively participated as Secretaries and Organizing Committees in the Farmers Day. President, AMFU, Mr. R Lalduhawma delivered a speech at the function in Aizawl,which was held at Vanapa Hall.

26.    The National Workshop on Green Revolution in Mizoram was held in the Art and Culture Auditorium, Beraw Tlang from the 20^th. – 22^nd. June, 2012. This programme was co-sponsored by Vigyan Prasar, Ministry of Science and Technology and Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema, Nagaland. The Honourable Chief Minister of Mizoram Shri Lalthanhawla inaugurated the function and the Valedictory function was hosted by Shri H Liansailova, the Honorable Minister of Agriculture. Dignitaries and delegates from different parts of Mizoram attended the workshop wherein experts and resource persons presented interesting papers.

27.    Presently, under the Spice Board of India, the Organic Scheme has been implemented in the cultivation of turmeric and ginger in various parts of Mizoram.

28.    Shri FR Marak DGM, NABARD has attended the inaugural function of The Thenzawl Rural Haat (AMFU Bazaar) that was inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Shri Lalthanhawla on the 24^th. Aug 2012. Rural Haats have also been constructed in the following areas; Lengpui, Keifang, Dulte, and N Bualpui. At present, construction work of Rural Haat is in progress at New Mamit.

29.    ICAR Kolasib convened a 2 Days’ Training on Entrepreneurship Development of Rural Youth through Climate Resilient Technology in Kolasib for Mizoram Farmers. The Chief Guest, Mr. R Lalduhawma, President AMFU General Headquarter solemnized the inaugural function.

30.    The North East Farmers Meet was held in SASRD Auditorium, Medziphema, Nagaland from the 3^rd. - 4^th. Oct, 2012. Many farmers of all the North Eastern States and Sikkim participated in this Meet. Ten (10) AMFU members of Mizoram participated in this Meet and Mr. Zion Lalremruata, General Secretary AMFU presented his paper that was appreciated by the delegates. Members attending the North East Farmers Meet passed a Resolution to unite and solve the various problems faced by North East farmers in the process of marketing fresh green groceries. Presently, the initiative on this matter is taken by the CIH.

31.    A survey study on Regulated Market in Assam and Meghalaya was held by the NLUP Marketing Cell on the 7^th. – 13^th. Nov, 2012. On which Mr. Zion Lalremruata, General Secretary AMFU has also attended the survey study.

32.    In order to build better working rapport with the North East Farmers, Mr. Joseph H. Thanzuala, Mr. R. Laltluanga and Mr. Zion Lalremruata went to Nagaland and Assam to meet the leaders of the Farmers Union. In pursuance and decision of these meetings, AMFU General Headquarters organised a Meet of the all Farmers Union Leaders of the North East States of India at Aizawl on the 5^th. Dec, 2012. This Meet was solemnized by Shri H. Liansailova, Minister of Agriculture. This Meet further resulted in the emergence of united organization of the farmers of the North East States of India; the “North East India Farmers Federation”. The pioneer leaders of North East India Federation are:

Chairman               - Dr. YY Kikon, Nagaland,

Secretary General  - Mr. Zion Lalremruata, General Secretary, AMFU.

Office Bearers of this Federation comprises members of various States from the North East India.

33.    The SLSC (State Level Selection Committee on NLUP), an important survey and monitoring team tours to different parts of Mizoram in pursuance of the NLUP implementation by the beneficiaries. Mr. Zion Lalremruata, General Secretary, AMFU, being a member of NLUP Implementing Board avails his presence on such tours.

34.    A two Days’ Farmers Training - Cum Workshop on NICRA was organised by ICAR in Kolasib on 19^th. – 20^th. Feb 2013. It was a preveledge and honour to mention that the Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr. R Lalduhawma, President AMFU.

35.    Farmers Training on Organic Certification was organised by the AMFU in different parts of Mizoram as cited below:

                          Date                                        Place

          1.            28^th. Feb, 2013                         Muallungthu

          2.            2 March, 2013                         Vairengte

          3.            5 March, 2013                         Lunglei

          4.            7 March, 2013                         Aibawk

         The International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) and Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) jointly initiated this programme.

36.    Utilizing the Tribal Development Fund (TDF), the AMFU Headquarters through NABARD, RO Aizawl, is at present actively working in the following areas of Mizoram: Ngopa RD Block, Lungsen RD Block, Sangau RD Block, and Lawngtlai RD Block. Under this project, selected Farmers are in progressive process of cultivating Tiger Grass for brooms, plantation of  Oranges and planting rubber.

37.    Since the year 2012, AMFU General Headquarter as PIA is working on IWMP Aizawl – VII, under Darlawn RD Block.

38. Presently AMFU General Headquarters is involved in State Government & Boards Committee as mentioned below:

        

         Presently AMFU General Headquarters is involved (member) in State Government & Board:

1)      High Power Apex Board New Land Use Policy (NLUP).

2)      State Level Export Promotion Committee (SLEPC)

3)      State Level Nodal Agency (MZWDA)

4)      Rural Advisory Committee, All India Radio

5)      State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB)

6)      State Level Expert Committee on Medicinal Plants

7)      National Child Labour Campaign Committee

8)      State Level Committee on Green Mizoram

9)      State Vector Borne Disease Control Society (SVBDCS)

10)  State Level Agriculture Mass Media Committee

11)  State Level Fire Prevention Committee

12)  State Level Monitoring Committees

13)  Advisory panel on Agriculture SBI

14)  State Level Rodent Control Committee

15)  State Consumer Protection Council

16)  Mizoram Oil Palm Advisory Committee

17)  State Level Monitoring Committee on Oil Palm Nursery

18)  State Level Steering Committee on Micro-Irrigation

19)  Mizoram State Planning Board (Special Invitee)

20)  Joint Electricity Regulatory Advisory Committee (for the states of Manipur & Mizoram)

21)  Member State Level Pest Control Committee

22)  Sub – Committee on Strategies for Increasing Agriculture Credit.(SIAC)

23)  Consultative Committee on NLUP

24)  NLUP Marketing Cell

25)  State Level Bankers Committee (SLBC)

26)  State Micro Irrigation Committee (SMIC)

27)  District Food Security (DFS)

28)  State Level Task Force of  Food Processing Industry.

29)  Technical Committee on Agriculture and Horticulture (TCAH).

30)  National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP)

31)  District Consumer Protection Council in the District of Mizoram.

32)  District Mission Committee (DMC) on NMSA.

                                                      - Zion Lalremruata, General Secretary, AMFU Gen. Hqrs. Aizawl.