IFAD assisted North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCRMP) is under implementation since 1998 in two districts each in Assam (Karbi Anglong and North Cachar Hills), Manipur (Senapati and Ukhrul) and Meghalaya (West Garo Hills and West Khasi hills).  The project, being implemented in collaboration with NEC through the local communities, aims at improving livelihoods of the people through capacity building and introduction of new technology and techniques for sustainable growth.

The project, costing Rs.159.36 crores with IFAD contribution of Rs.109.92 crores, seeks to improve livelihood of the poorest in the targeted villages.  Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Natural Resources Management Groups were constituted by the Project Authorities in the identified villages.  After identifying locally useful productive and sustainable activities, production of agriculture/horticulture crops like ginger, pineapple, banana, arecanut, passion fruit, chillies, patcholi, aloe vera etc. and livestock development, particularly piggery and poultry, have been taken up successfully.  Small infrastructure development schemes like improvement of existing roads, waiting sheds-cum-collection centres, school buildings, community halls, water reservoirs, safe drinking water systems etc. have also been taken up on need basis. 

The project covers 39203 families (2,53,000 persons) in 862 villages of the six selected districts.  2443 Self Help Groups and 990 Natural Resources Management Groups have been set up.

The project has been evaluated by a Team of international and national experts.  The Team appreciated the notable success of the project and had recommended its continuation beyond the original seven year period which expired on 31st March 2006. 

On the request of the Ministry of DoNER and the DEA, IFD has since extended the project life upto 31 March, 2008. Ministry of DoNER has also extended financial assistance of Rs. 70 Lakh to the project for capacity building of the beneficiaries.

The project has been successful in providing food security and income generation amongst vulnerable tribal communities. The project has successfully utilized the customary community structures for conservation of the region's rich biodiversity. The project has now become a replicable model. The project society is now working on an exit strategy.

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