Launch of NABARD FSPF Project and Inauguration of The Habitats Trust Programme
Hills Live desk
Haflong Feb 18
Retzawl village in Harangajao Block of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council (DHAC) witnessed a significant milestone on 18 February (Monday) with the formal launch of the NABARD-supported FSPF Project titled “Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods of Agriculture-Dependent Hill Communities of Dima Hasao District” and the inauguration of The Habitats Trust (THT) Programme. Organized by Grameen Sahara, the event will bring together distinguished guests, community leaders, and stakeholders.
Loken Das, Chief General Manager of NABARD Assam Regional Office, Guwahati, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and formally launch the FSPF Project also inaugurated the THT Programme. Other dignitaries include Kim Hengna, District Project Manager, ASRLM; Bhama Deori, AGM NABARD; Amarjit Sing, DDM NABARD, Haflong Vikramaditya Das, Executive Director, Grameen Sahara; and Sarat Chandra Das, Founder Secretary, Grameen Sahara. Singa Tulor, Village Chief of Retzawl, welcomed the dignitaries and participants on behalf of the community.
Supported by NABARD, this two-year project will empower 100 small and marginal farmer households—especially women—in Retzawl village. It focuses on strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving natural resource management, and enhancing income diversification.
The project introduces crop diversification, climate-resilient farming practices, improved livestock management, and water resource conservation. Capacity building, business skills training, value chain development, and market linkages will bolster women-led SHGs for long-term sustainability.
Dima Hasao faces multiple environmental and socio-economic challenges. Despite nearly 70% forest cover, DHADC is highly vulnerable to climate change, with erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures, and landslides disrupting traditional jhum cycles. Soil degradation, drying springs, and declining productivity have deepened rural poverty, while limited infrastructure, market access, and employment opportunities restrict livelihood options.
The FSPF project aims to build adaptive capacity, enhance farm productivity, secure sustainable incomes, and initiate community-level natural resource management.
The Habitats Trust-supported programme will strengthen governance and sustainable management of nearly 10,000 hectares of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs) across ten landscapes in DHAC. These forests, traditionally managed by indigenous communities such as Biate, Dimasa, Hmar, Khasi-Pnar, Kuki, and Zeme tribes, are vital for biodiversity conservation, water security, and carbon sequestration.
However, forest fragmentation, weakening traditional institutions, unsustainable jhum practices, and limited ecological monitoring threaten these ecosystems. Climate vulnerability further exacerbates degradation, risking both biodiversity and livelihoods.
The THT initiative will revitalize community-led conservation, restore degraded forest patches, enhance carbon sinks, and integrate conservation with climate-resilient livelihoods. By blending traditional knowledge with scientific tools, it envisions empowered community institutions governing resilient ecosystems.
Addressing climate vulnerability, livelihood insecurity, and biodiversity loss in an integrated manner, this twin launch marks a transformative step for Dima Hasao. Together, the NABARD FSPF Project and THT Programme will strengthen sustainable agriculture, enhance forest governance, and build resilient hill communities.