Farm machinery distributed under PMKSY-WDC in Zunheboto

Morung Express News
Zunheboto | May 30

The Department of Land Resources, Zunheboto, distributed farm machinery to beneficiaries under the Production System component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, Watershed Development Component 2.0 Additional (PMKSY-WDC) during a programme held at the General Administration Rest House, EAC Headquarter, Hoshepu Village under Aghunato Sub-Division Zunheboto District on May 30.

The special guest, Kathyinla (EAC Aghunato), described the programme as a clear example of government schemes reaching the grassroots level. She urged beneficiaries to ensure that individually allotted assets ultimately serve the wider community. 

Calling on villagers to adopt a proactive mindset, she cited Tsaphimi village in Pughoboto Subdivision, which received a national award in 2025 under the watershed programme. According to her, the village’s success was driven by strong community participation, voluntary labour, local contributions, and water resource preservation.

“Rather than only asking what the government can do for us, we should also consider how we can contribute to our own development,” she said, emphasising that community participation remains the key to successful implementation of development schemes.

Delivering the keynote address, District Project Officer (DPO) of the Land Resources Department, I Acato Chishi, outlined the vision of the Watershed Development Programme and the Ministry’s expectations from the state, district, and farmers. He stressed that machinery provided under the scheme is meant to improve livelihoods and should be utilised for community benefit, not individual gain.

Chishi noted that additional projects were allocated to performing states, and though implementation began only a few months ago, the programme is progressing satisfactorily. He urged beneficiaries to develop a sense of ownership towards the machinery and not treat it carelessly, as is often the case with community property.

The DPO identified coffee, arecanut, rubber, and tea cultivation as major focus areas. Advising farmers on persimmon plantations, he said proper maintenance and spacing, recommended at 15x20 feet, are more important than the number of plants.

Highlighting ongoing activities, Chishi informed that 174 fishery ponds have been planned under the project in beneficiary villages, of which 140 are completed and 18 are pending. He encouraged villagers to actively participate and ensure timely submission of progress reports.

Speaking on the occasion, Watershed Community Chairman (WCC) of Viyixe Village, Aboto Yeptho, expressed gratitude to the Department of Land Resources and its officials for their dedication. He remarked that such a scheme was unprecedented in the subdivision and acknowledged the support and contributions of MLA and Advisor, Land Resources G Ikuto Zhimomi towards developmental initiatives in the area.

The programme was chaired by Puloto Achumi, while Kathyinla, EAC Aghunato, attended as the special guest. Rev Mughato Awomi, Pastor Hoshepu Village Church SBAK Aizuto, pronounced the invocation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Hekiho Muru, Watershed Community Chairman, Khewoto Village. During the distribution programme, 28 brush cutters and six power tillers were distributed to seven villages. Beneficiary villages included Khekiye, Hoshepu, Khewoto, Khetoi, Viyilho, Viyixe, and Nihoshe South Village under Aghunato Sub-Division.