Will Mizoram Secure Rs 380 Crore from IFAD to Empower 75,000 Families?
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Synopsis
Mizoram is set to take a significant step towards enhancing the livelihoods of 75,000 families through the proposed FOCUS 2.0 initiative. With an ambitious funding request of Rs 380 crore from IFAD, this program aims to support farmers and landless households, ensuring women's involvement in agriculture.
Key Takeaways
- Mizoram seeks Rs 380 crore from IFAD.
- FOCUS 2.0 aims to empower 75,000 households.
- Focus on including women beneficiaries.
- Implementation over a duration of six years.
- Efforts to support landless farming families.
Aizawl, Sep 2 (NationPress) The government of Mizoram intends to request Rs 380 crore from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to roll out its flagship initiative FOCUS 2.0, aimed at economically empowering 75,000 households, primarily farmers, as stated by officials on Tuesday.
The Mizoram government has opted to introduce FOCUS 2.0 (Fostering Climate Resilient Upland Farming Systems) as a successor to the FOCUS 1.0 initiative under the handholding scheme. A senior official indicated that the governing council of the Society for Climate Resilient Agriculture in Mizoram (SCRAM), established to execute the FOCUS 2.0 program, convened its meeting on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma chaired the meeting at the Planning and Programme Implementation Department Conference Hall. The official conveyed that the proposal for financial assistance of Rs 380 crore from the IFAD has received approval from the state Finance Department for external loan support, and the Government of India’s endorsement is currently being pursued.
This program will be executed through multiple departments in collaboration, with the Planning and Programme Implementation Department acting as the nodal agency.
As per the official, FOCUS 2.0 will be rolled out across all 11 districts of the state, reaching 700 villages and benefiting 75,000 households. Among these, 7,000 households from landless farming families will also be included.
The initiative is designed with a strong emphasis on including women as beneficiaries. The official mentioned that the new Governing Council of FOCUS 2.0 was officially notified on August 20 under the name SCRAM. The Chief Minister acts as the ex officio Chairman, and the Planning Secretary as the ex officio Member Secretary. The scheme is set to be implemented over six years.
The meeting reviewed the modalities for execution, including the revision of certain operational frameworks, the continuation and modification of assets and resources created under FOCUS 1.0, and the structure of implementing agencies at the state, district, and village levels, as noted by the official.
Discussions also covered the recruitment and engagement of project personnel. The meeting was attended by P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister of Agriculture; Lalthansanga, Minister of Land Resources, Soil and Water Conservation; T.B.C. Lalvenchhunga, the Chief Minister’s adviser, and Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, along with other officials.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize Mizoram's commitment to enhancing agricultural sustainability and empowering its farmers through initiatives like FOCUS 2.0. The proposed funding from IFAD represents a strategic investment in the future of the region, aligning with national goals for rural development and women's empowerment.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the FOCUS 2.0 program?
The FOCUS 2.0 program aims to economically empower 75,000 households, primarily farmers, by fostering climate-resilient farming systems.
How much funding is Mizoram seeking from IFAD?
Mizoram is seeking Rs 380 crore from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to implement the FOCUS 2.0 program.
Who will benefit from the program?
The program will benefit 75,000 households, including 7,000 landless farming families, with a strong emphasis on women's participation.
What is the duration of the FOCUS 2.0 implementation?
The FOCUS 2.0 program is set to be implemented over a period of six years.
Which departments will be involved in the program?
The program will be executed in convergence with various departments, led by the Planning and Programme Implementation Department as the nodal agency.
