The Integrated Farming Cluster (IFC) initiative under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) was launched by the Union Rural Development Secretary, NN Sinha in the State Capital on Friday. Representatives of different states also participated in the national workshop organized by Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS).
Addressing the workshop, Sinha appreciated the work being done for livelihood empowerment through Sakhi Mandals in the State. He told the representatives of other states to implement other activities including Livelihood Resource Center and Didi Bagiya Yojana in their states. “In order to connect the last families of remote villages with a strong livelihood, coordinate with all the departments from the State level so that the beneficiaries can get the benefits of all the schemes in an integrated manner,” he added.
Expressing happiness over the launch of Integrated Farming Cluster, the Secretary advised all NRETP States to do micro planning in an effective manner so that the rural community can benefit from this initiative. He said that the organizations of Sakhi Mandals should further strengthen the cluster level federation so that in the coming days it can develop as a model and this can accelerate livelihood and social inclusion. He asked all the states to expedite the work of Producer Enterprise.
“In the coming days, preparations are being made to implement MGNREGA through cluster level federations, for which these organizations need to be strengthened further. Women organizations should work with Panchayati Raj Institutions, Department of Government and Civil Society, only then the dream of eradicating poverty on a large scale will be meaningful,” said
Sinha.
Sharing the experience of livelihood activities in Jharkhand, the State Rural Development Department Secretary Dr Manish Ranjan said that the income of women has doubled due to drip irrigation and the income of people is increasing through multi-cropping and animal husbandry. “Capacity building of various cadres through training, empowering financial inclusion of PVTG families, engaging women in various skilling activities is our priority which will boost rural livelihood. By providing further training to the cadres of Sakhi Mandal, preparations are being made to strengthen the livelihood of the remote villages of the State in a sustainable manner,” he added.
Elaborating on the Integrated Farming Cluster, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India Charanjit Singh said that the objective of this initiative is to provide 'end to end solution' to the farmers. He praised the Palash brand and Adiva brand of Jharkhand and told other states to learn from this initiative of Jharkhand.
Expressing satisfaction over the progress of the National Rural Economic Transformation Project, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Nita Kejriwal said that the model CLF should be strengthened by expediting the works.
While addressing the workshop, JSLPS CEO, Nancy Sahai said that the implementation of IFC would be completed in time.