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2011

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September - 29

Literary and cultural competition

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: All Yangte Area Youth Welfare Association is going to conduct its 3rd Yangte Valley Winter Trophy at Govt Secondary School, Yangte from Oct 29 to Nov 4. The programme includes games and sports such as football and volleyball and literary cum cultural competition. The toppers of Class –X and Class XII would also be felicitated during the programme.

Condolence

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Tarh Welfare Society condole the demise of Tarh Tatung who died yesterday. He is survived by his wife, one son and four daughters.

The members of the society prayed almighty god for the eternal peace of the departed soul and extended its condolence message to the bereaved family members.

All India Rajeev Gandhi Vichar Manch International, Arunachal Pradesh Unit expressed shock at the untimely demise of retired Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Dr. Bero Ado.

ALSU calls for cooperation

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Arunachal Law Students Union (ALSU) has called upon all citizen to cooperate with new deputy commission Onit Panyang to make capital a worth living place. In a release ALSU urged new DC to work for the sector wise development of capital region. The union hope that new DC will concentrate for improvement of drinking water facilities and also take step to control spiralling price hike.

ALSU asked every one including citizens and administration of capital to learn something from Sikkim earthquake and stop culture of reckless earth cutting in capital complex.

Football tourney

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: The Iji Minnya Nomuk memorial football tournament, has started from Sept 26 at Kamba, West Siang district. The final shall be played on October 6.

Social service

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Mangbak Youth Sports Club conducted social service at Mini Subansiri Stadium Kimin on September 23 and 24. Meanwhile, the winter trophy football tournament has begun at the said stadium from September 25.

Clarification

ITANAGAR, Sept 28: The Aka-Miji Capital Complex Welfare Society (AMCCWS) has clarified today that the president and general secretary of the Society with its other executive members have been selected in its general conference held here on Sept 26. They were not elected as has been mentioned in its earlier press release, said the Society.

Expedite enquiry: Union

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: All Mengio Students’ Union (AMSU) has expressed resentment over the dilly-dally tactics of the authorities to investigate the alleged embezzlement of Rs 4.80 crore NEC fund which is meant for the improvement of power supply system at Mengio under Papum Pare district.

Pointing out its representation submitted to power secretary on August 12 for proper investigation, the union urged the Superintending Engineer (E), A P Electrical circle No 1 to expedite the investigation process and terminate the officers responsible for NEC fund embezzlement.

Improve health care facilities in Koloriang

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Koloriang, Damin, Parsi-Parlo and Sarli Students’ Union (KDPSSU) has appealed to the health minister to take immediate steps for posting of adequate doctors with medicines and overall improvement of health care system in Koloriang area.

There are no proper medical equipments, medicines and doctors; even the first aid medicine is not available in Koloriang. If such condition continues, common people, who are facing dreaded disease, will succumb to even the common and curable ailment, the union said.

The union also appealed to the local MLA Lokam Tassar, DMO and Deputy Commissioner of Kurung Kumey district to look into the problems of common people due to inadequate health care system.

Exorbitant fee alleged

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: The 12th Pakke Kessang Youth Forum (PKYF), in a release alleged that the office of the additional deputy commissioner, Seijosa is charging exorbitant fee for furnishing the necessary documents like ST (Rs.150), PRC (Rs.100), and temporary land possession certificate (Rs.9000) for availing bank loan. It also alleged deduction of old age pension at his office and urged the East Kameng DC to look into the matters seriously and do the needful to lower the fee as per govt notification.

Meanwhile, the Forum urged the Relief and Rehabilitation Department to provide immediate compensation to the landslide victim of Medical Colony. The Forum said that the family of the victim has not yet received any compensation from the authority till date.

Awareness programme

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Arunachal Pradesh Energy Development Agency, Itanagar is organizing a one day workshop cum awareness programme on renewal energy and systems under the scheme of development of Itanagar as Solar City which is being sponsored by Ministry of New and Renewal Energy, New Delhi. The programme will be held at Rajiv Gandhi Government Polytechnic on September 30.

RFGCSU election

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Mankhum Youngkuk has been selected as General Secretary of Rang-Frah government college Students’ Union, Changlang in a meeting held recently.

Earlier, in its election process seventeen candidates had filled up their nomination papers. But all the candidates were disqualified on ground of less percentage in college attendance.

Teachers demanded

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Toru Circle Students’ Union (TCSU) has strongly urged the Education Department to post a teacher each for Science and Mathematics at Govt. Sec. School, Toru immediately.

Half of the academic session of 2011-12 has already been completed but courses on Science and Mathematics are not yet started, TCSU said in a release. Students’ are frequently blamed for not showing good results in examinations; but real blames should go to the authority for not posting the required teachers, the students union said.

It said that the authority has not taken any initiative to post teachers in the school despite repeated approach which has badly hampered the academic studies of the students.

Students hope

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: All Tirap District Students’ Union (ATDSU) while welcoming the creation of Longding District expressed the hope that Longding District will in short time be at par with other districts in developmental activities.

MLA’s absence resented

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Ziro Valley People’s Forum (ZVDF) has resented long absence of the sitting MLA of Ziro-Hapoli constituency and urged the Chief Minister to direct the MLA cum Parliamentary Secretary to remain present in his own constituency or relinquish the post.

The Forum appealed to the CM to ensure total transparency in all ongoing and to be implemented developmental schemes/activities.

The Forum also took serious note of the frequent bandh calls given by various organizations.

Appointments

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Punyo Jora, Tilling Tangung and Bamin Chatung has been appointed as president, vice-president and general secretary respectively of Lower Subansiri district unit of All India Central Para-Military Forces Ex Servicemen Welfare Association State Committee Arunachal Pradesh.

Power cut

ITANAGAR: The twin capital cities, Nirjuli township and its adjoining areas would experience power cut from 8 am, September 29 to 7 pm, September 30 due to load shedding which necessitated for replacement of old circuit breakers of 33 KV, feeder I & II with new ones by PowerGrid Corporation of India.

Workshop on packaging of processed fruits

ITANAGAR: Indian Institute of Packaging, Kolkata is organizing a workshop on Packaging of Processed Fruits for Micro, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs at the State Banquet Hall on 30th September, Sponsored by Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India and supported by NERAMAC & Deptt. of Trade and Commerce, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh.

NABARD sanction funds for two bridges

ITANAGAR: NABARD has announced the sanction of Rs.986.45 lakhs to the Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh for execution of two Rural Bridges over River Kamala and River Tuss in Yangte-Tali road in Kurung Kumey District.

The amount sanctioned is 90 % of the Total Financial Outlay of Rs.1096.05 lakhs for the two projects, the rest being State Govt’s 10 % share. The projects will be implemented by the Public Works Department (PWD.

News Impact

Assam students protest against Lower Siang project

Prafulla Kaman

RUKSIN, Sep 28: About three hundred activists of Dhemaji district unit of All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) today took out a “Human-Chain” on Kemi-Oiramghat portion of NH-52 along Assam-Arunachal border, in protest against proposed construction of mega dam in Siang river.

The students’ body today came down heavily on Arunachal government for its “unilateral" decision of hearing on the 2,700-MW Lower Siang Hydro Electric Project in East Siang district, slated for October 18. The protesters are fuming at the fact that the hearing would include only the Siang Valley of Arunachal and keeping the downstream areas in Assam out of its purview.

Reiterating its ongoing movements against the construction of mega dam in Arunachal rivers, the union today warned Arunachal Government not to adopt such forceful means for construction of power project in Siang river, ignoring the interest of the people living in downstream Assam.

“We have been demanding both the central government and Arunachal state government for scrapping of the hydro power projects. Both the Central and the state governments are not taking a serious note on this most sensitive issue”, alleged Arnold Taye, the literary secretary of AASU at Ruksin today.

Taye, who is a native of Jonai bordering East Siang district further said the AASU has been maintaining a close coordination with Lower Siang Affected People’s Forum (LSAPF) and students, who have also been protesting the Lower Siang project and demanded scrapping because of severe downstream impact.

The HPP has been facing massive protest from various organizations in Assam including AASU, AJYCP, TMPK (Mising). These organisations have threatened vigorous protests against the move, if their demands are not heard.

DIPR urges AIR authorities to improve the services

Naharlagan, Sep 28: In a meeting held in the office chamber of Director of Information and Public Relations on Wednesday Lekhi Phuntso urged the authorities of AIR to enhance the services of AIR and expedite the existing schemes of FM stations and other AIR stations in the state.

P.P. Bhattacharjee, HoD, AIR , A.K.Dutta, Asstt Engineer, and Atok Songhteng, Programme Executive, who called in the DIPR, apprised various issues confronting the organization in early implementation of their projects and urged the state government to help expedite their schemes smoothly.

DIPR Lekhi Phuntso urged the authorities to put into service various proposals including the dialect programme of Tutsa community at the earliest in the interest of the community. He also called upon them to take up other ongoing schemes such as 100watt FM station in various locations of the state, sanction of community radio schemes, unlinking facilities in order to enhance the services of AIR in the state.

He reminded them of the various proposals submitted by the state government to the Centre for enhancement of AIR and Doordarshan authorities. DIPR

NFC’s memo to UPA chairperson

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Nyishi Federal Council (NFC), in a memorandum, has urged UPA chairperson cum AICC president to either appoint a new chief minister or impose President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

“There has been infighting within the ruling Congress party in the state on leadership issue since the death of former CM Dorjee Khandu which has brought all developmental activities to a grinding halt,” the memorandum said.

“If this situation continues, the state may witness more law and order problem in the coming days and even external invasion cannot be ruled out,” the NFC memorandum said, and urged the UPA chairperson to influence her power in appointing a new CM from among the Congress legislators for the welfare of the people of this remote state.

Police crackdown on gang of thieves

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: In a joint operation the Pasighat Police team led by SI Kangkilido Pertin and Yingkiong police headed by SI N.Diyum cracked down a gang of thieves of local beads worth more than a crore rupees stolen from Damro village on 14th September last.

The gang comprised of four main accused- Oti alias Genti Megu(Sharma), Aroti Taki(Dekha), Gen-yon Tayeng S/o. Okeng Tayeng of Ayeng Village and Lombang Megu of Ayeng village were arrested at Pasighat on September 23, 24 and 25 last and have been shifted to Yingkiong police custody. They were produced before the Judicial Magistrate on Sept 27 last in the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Yingkiong and remanded to judicial custody for further detail inquiry.

Three others suspected to be involved in the theft Api Perme(Tapak), S Chandra Shekher Prasad Sharma, husband of Oti Megu and Amit Sharma, son of P.N. Sharma Pasighat have also been arrested alongwith the main accused.

With the arrest of all the culprits, most stolen items have been recovered. (DIPR)

AAPSU condoles death

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: All Arunachal Pradesh Students Union has condoled the sudden demise of Kobu Mengnia, the former President of All Upper Subansiri District Student's Union who died yesterday. In a release AAPSU recalled his contribution to the various student movements of Arunachal and said that with his death state has lost youthful student leader.

AAPSU also expressed sadness over rape and subsequent brutal killing of School girl at Vijayanagar and another killing of one citizen at New Mohong village, Namsai. AAPSU urged state government to have complete review of law and order situation in the state as it stated that even capital complex has also witnessed law and order problem in recent days

Meanwhile, Tagin Welfare Society (TWS), Itanagar has condoled the sudden demise of Kobu Mengnia Dabu yesterday and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

He was the former president of Upper Subansiri District Students’ Union and is survived by his wife and a son.

Describing him as a kind-hearted and generous persons, TWA said that his death is great loss for the community, who contributed a lot for the welfare of the community.

The Society also conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

State BJP concerned at law and order situation, chalks out strategies

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its office bearers meeting held at party headquarters yesterday reviewed the current political situations in Arunachal Pradesh following the alleged factionalism in the party in power.

The meeting observed that a state of lawlessness has been prevailing in the state and various development works come to a standstill. Insecurity and uncertainty become order of the day with growing criminal incidents everywhere in the state apart from the damages and road blockades caused by recent natural calamities while a group of Ministers, Parliamentary secretaries and MLAs stationed in New Delhi. Expressing concern over prevailing lawlessness, the BJP said it is not only internal matter of the ruling Congress. It is a serious matter as it is directly or indirectly related to development and wherein the peace, safety and security of the people were snatched due to infightings and negligence of the AICC which is not making any sincere efforts to resolve the longtime political instabilities which has now reached to serious constitutional crisis, the BJP said.

Further, kidnapping of a minister or MLA as per the APCC press statement carried in the local dailies and issues of reported involvement of underground outfits in the Chief Ministerial race appeared in the national medias/journals were also taken up for discussion, the party said.

The State BJP has also sought intervention of the party high command for safety, security and well being of the people of the state and demanded invocation of Art. 365 in the state by the State governor immediately for restoration of normalcy and resumption of various development activities. The issue is being placed in the BJP National Executive Meeting on Sept 30 and October 01.

While reviewing the party organizational matter, the BJP further unanimously decided to accord befitting welcome to the NDA chairman L K Advani who would arrive at Itanagar as a part of his nation-wide Rath yatra against corruption on Oct 14. Advani is expected to be accompanied by BJP MP and national party secretary Varun Gandhi.

The meeting attended by the BJP North East Organizational-in-Charge, P. Chandrasekhar Rao, frontal wings chiefs and senior party leaders also constituted a 23 members State level Organizing Committee headed by B.R. Wage, Vice President and Dominic Tadar, General Secretary, State BJP and a seven Members State Mobilization Committee headed by State Treasurer, Lichi Legi and five Members State Publicity Committee headed by Tai Tagak, party General Secretary to look after the arrangement for grand success of the rath yatra programme in the state.

The meeting also taken decision to hold three days Party cadres training camp – Pravesh Varg (1st year) from November 14 to 16, at Bomdila in West Kameng. State and District level senior functionaries and leaders including party MLAs would undertake the training.

Meanwhile, the meeting decided that the proposed state BJYM’s Indo-China border study tour will begin from Oct 17 in view of proposed visit of L K Advani. Study tour was supposed to begin from October 15. State Executive meeting of the state BJP will be held on October 14-15 at Itanagar, the party further informed.

Association demands creation of posts

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Un-employed Dental Surgeon Association of Arunachal expressed their strong resentment over the state government and the Health department for their alleged failure to address the problem of unemployed Dental Surgeons.

The association said that there had been no creation of dental surgeon posts in the state since 2002 by the concerned authority due to which the number of unemployed dental surgeon has increased to 65. It added that some of the surgeons have already crossed their age limit even to appear in competitive examinations.

The association further alleged that one dentist has been illegally appointed as Dental surgeon against a vacant post after the retirement of Dr A Kumar. The association has submitted a complaint letter to commission Health and Family Welfare in 2009 and 2010 and to Secretary and Minister Health and Family Welfare in 2010 and 2011 respectively. Even a legal notice was also submitted to Secretary HFW to look into the grievances of unemployed dental surgeon. But no any positive respond was given by the higher authority of Health and Family Welfare Department till today, it said. The association further briefing about the shortage of dental surgeons in various PHCs and CHCs of the state, appealed to the government and the concerned authority to give justice and equal opportunity to unemployed dental surgeons to serve the people.

It also appealed to the other Doctor Associations and NGOs to cooperate and help the unemployed dental surgeons in their fight for justice.

Tatan Mize passes away

PASIGHAT, Sep 28: Veteran Social activist of Adi community, Tatan Mize is no more. Born in Ledum village (1935), he died on Tuesday Sep 27 last after prolonged treatment at Dibrugarh.

Lt. Mize started his career as VLW during NEFA period and later joined in social activities. He is survived by wife Oyam Tasung Mize, one son and two daughters.

He served the state as a whole and the district in particular in various capacities like, member of the State Wildlife Protection Board, active member of state politics, State President of Adi Bane Kebang during 2007-08. Till his last breath, Mize also contributed immensely for development of Baptist Church.

Meanwhile, condolence messages from cross sections of society, irrespective of political affiliations, have started to pour in here for the bereaved family of late Mize.

The state Education Minister Bosiram Siram and MP Ninong Ering in their condolence messages from New Delhi expressed their deep shock at the demise of renowned social activist of the community and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family at the time of sorrow. The contributions made by late Mize for upliftment of the society will ever be remembered, the duo added in the massages.

The DC Talem Tapok visited Lt Mize’s residence at Mirku Dapi village, Pasighat and in his message described him as an energetic leader and a very good human being, who worked dedicatedly for the greater interest of the people of the state as a whole.

In a message, the Secy.(HQ) ABK, East Siang unit and USPA Pasighat also extended condolence to the bereaved family and prayed almighty for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Hundreds of dear and near thronged to Lt. Mizes residence to pay their last respect.

Students blame govt for law and order failure

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: All Tai Khampti Singpho Students Union (ATKSSU) while thanking the home minister Takar Marde who visited Namsai to take stock of law and order problem, however squarely put the blame on state government for the situation due to its failure to provide adequate security to the people in the Subdivision.

ATKSSU cannot tolerate the serial murders of our own people, it’s shameful that govt. of its state cannot give the security to its own people, the Union said as it demanded early respite from law and order situation. The continuous extortion, kidnapping and murders by miscreants is going on full swing in this sub division and recent incident came up due to the negligence of the state govt. Justifying its allegations, the students said that it had approached and submitted memorandums to the state govt. regarding setting up of police outpost and office of circle officer in vulnerable places in the sub division. The Union further said that Late Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu had assured to set up the police out post, CRPF camp and office of circle officer to bring security and peace among the citizens of the Lekang circle. The Union threatened to go on agitation in Changlang and Lohit district to press for their demands.

The Union further informed that one of the culprits allegedly involved in the chow Sunanda Manpoong murder case was arrested. It appealed for arrest of the remaining accused and thorough investigation of the case.

Meanwhile, Adi Baane Kebang Lohit dist unit (ABK) has strongly condemned the killing of Chou Sunanda Manpong. The ABK while conveying its heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family members strongly appealed to govt to take necessary step to arrest the person behind the killing.

Chayang Tajo and Sawa face threat from bamboo flowering

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: This year, the poor farmers of villages in Chayang Tajo and Sawa are scared a lot. Reason: flowering of taffo (a sub-Himalayan species of dwarf bamboo) which is spreading thick and fast across the region unabatedly in north to south direction.

Last year the northern villages like Tassar Sollung, Kesse Bagang, Jayang Bagang were first hit by rodent menace before spreading to neighbouring villages of Wada Bagang, Sangchu, Tamak Sollung and Laching Bagang. In these villages, the standing crops (paddy, corns and millets) were swept clean by huge armies of wild mice which the villagers link to flowering of bamboos.

They say that these rodents--mice and squirrels--are fattened and made fertile by the nutritious seeds of these bamboos. Reproductively, they become more active like and the result is Malthusian growth of rodent population. Once these seeds are exhausted, the rodents’ attention is drawn towards crops on the fields and then the villagers’ granaries.

Geographically, flowering of bamboos is currently being experienced in the peripheries of these villages: Yangfo, Keyang, Jatam, Hara Yangfo, Tagampu, Tarawa Yangfo, Rebe of Chayang Tajo circle and Lotto Yangfo, Dara and Byale of Sawa circle.

The villagers’ fear is not without logic. It is the fable, which has been handed down from one generation to another generation through word of mouth, which bears the testimony of the resultant miseries of this once-in-a-lifetime event. Government’s support is their only hope once their fields and granaries are ravaged by the rodents. For timely support, advance warning and preparedness are required.

Circle Officer i/c Sub-Divisional Officer, Chayang Tajo Dahey Sangno who sent a team of energetic volunteers and officials for verification and photography has submitted a report to the authority suggesting necessary action and preparedness.

So far there is no report of crop-damage as the paddies have not started fruiting, he said adding that we may get clear picture once the crops ripen.

Farmers-Scientists Interactive Programme

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: A farmers-scientists interactive programme was organized on Sept 21 at Kanubari under the aegis of agricultural technology management agency (ATMA). Altogether 30 progressive farmers participated. Nokkai Wangjen who earned national recognition this year as a progressive fish farmer was among the participants. The DAO-cum-Project Director of ATMA G. Hocha, in his inaugural address, while welcoming the farmers, highlighted the objective of the programme and asked them to utilize the available technologies gainfully. He appealed the young farmers to carry out their agricultural activities scientifically by taking necessary help and guidance from the subject experts from ATMA. ZPC Chairman, Rongnai Maham speaking as chief guest, dwelt at length on urgent necessity of doing away with the destructive and unproductive practice of shifting cultivation gradually and start terrace cultivation in its place to increase productivity and also to save environment. While sharing his experience, Maham said that permanent or settled cultivation activities in Sikkim was more rewarding in terms of productivities and less labour intensive.

While interacting with the farmers SK Kalita, SMS, Agronomy, KVK, Deomali explained how potash-deficient soil, the rice Gandhi bug were responsible for chaffy grains in paddy. Kalita explained in details the cultural and chemical methods of controlling the pests that destroy the farmers’ crops. The other resource persons Jitumoni Das, SMS, animal science, Rajdeep Dutta, SMS, fisheries, S.Ronrang, soil science, P. Phukan, agricultural extension and GC Tiwari, HDO spoke on their respective fields of expertise and urged the farmers to take the training seriously and use to practical application whatever they had learned during the interactive programme.

A.Josaham ,ADO and M.Wangsu, ADO, Incharge, ATMA efficiently co-ordinated the whole programme. The farmers and general public of Kanubari area appreciated the agriculture department for the initiative and requested the DAO to organize more such beneficial prorammes for the farmers. (DIPRO)

IDEA Celebrates Girl Child Day

Daporijo, Sep 28: Itanagar Diocesan Empowerment Association (IDEA) celebrated the Girl Child Day with great, pride, joy and zeal on 24th September 2011 at Sacred Heart School, Daporijo.

800 participants most of them girls marched through the township of Daporijo, shouting slogans to save the Girl Child. Many parents and well wishers supported the rally by joining the march with the young girls.

Fr. Anto Thomas SAC Principal, Sacred Heart School, in his welcome speech congratulated the girls for their courage to bring awareness among themselves and others through the rally. He also said that the Girls will lead India into the future by playing their part well. Female child is nation's pride and we should save them, he said. He lauded the developmental activities of IDEA in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Gejum Ete ADC, Daporijo who was the Chief Guest on the occasion highlighted the importance of educating the girl child. Around the world millions of girls continue to remain marginalized. September 24th, International Girl Child Day, looks to bring light to the issues and awareness to the plight of girls across the globe. The girl-child suffers needlessly, as daily struggles are increased by the relentless hold of history and cultural taboos. We need to overcome them, he said.

Apur Bitin SP, Daporijo, briefed about the various schemes available to girls towards their education and empowerment. While appreciating IDEA for its sensitivity to various national issues, he assured full support to IDEA as Government Partner. He said that the girl child day is being celebrated to bring the problems being faced by her to center stage and to generate awareness on the plight and rights of the girl child. This day will also reinforce our commitments to sensitize the society about the issues related to the development and empowerment of the girl child in the society.

S.C. Borang APCS, CO Daporijo, expressing concern over the fact that female foeticide continues to take place in urban and rural parts of the country, urged couples not to go in for abortion but to raise girls with love and care.

Children participated in the cultural events, sang, danced and enacted skits based on stories related to the theme of the event.

CRPF civic action programme

Itanagar, Sep 28: 186 Bn of CRPF distributed 24 Sewing Machines to rural women living below the poverty line and also games & sports items to 8 Govt. Schools and 2 private run schools located within Bordumsa Circle on Sept 27 under its civic action programme.

Lt. Colonel Rohini Raja, Deputy Commandant of 186 Bn. CRPF Lohit briefed the house regarding the role and responsibilities CRPF deployed at Lohit and Changlang District and appealed all concern to extent their utmost co-operation to CRPF personnel for maintaining the Law and Order situation in a perfect shape for all round development of districts.

He also appealed the Sewing machine beneficiaries to reap the benefit out of the asset given to them in order to augment their family income. He also appealed the students and the teachers to give adequate attentions towards games & sports activities so as to harness the potential of the student towards games & sports activities.

While gracing the occasion as Chief Guest Kento Riba, ADC Bordumsa had appreciated the good gesture of 186 Bn. CRPF and also he dwelt at length about the role & responsibilities of CRPF personnel with special reference to the counter insurgency operation, internal security and rescue and operation during natural calamity situations like fire, flood etc. He also made a frantic appeal to the Sewing machine beneficiaries to get maximum benefit out of the asset distributed by the 186 Bn. CRPF by getting themselves familiarized with tailoring trade in their respective locality. Further, he also requested to the Deputy Commandant 186 Bn. CRPF to conduct such Civic Action Programme in their interior villages of Bordumsa Circle in near future.

New dist to pave way for dev

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Various organizations and students unions are optimistic that creation of the Longding district will pave the way for all round development of the area.

Though a long cherished dream of the people of the area has been fulfilled with the creation of the district, providing the necessary infrastructure and taking up other necessary activities for the newly created district is the real challenge of the Government, said All Pumao Circle Students’ Union.

It appealed to the state Government to fulfill the demands of the union like opening of a sub-treasury at Longding, improving tele-communication and strengthening the SBI, posting of various officers and doctors at CHC, OC/CO at Pumao and power supply at Longding submitted to Home Minister Takar Marde in form of memorandum. during his visit in July last. It also urged the Government to recognize the Pumao circle immediately.

Cho Indigenous Multipurpose Society hoped that creation of the district would pave the way of development for the Wancho people in particular and the state in general.

Wakka Students Union of Wakka also hoped that creation of Longding district will bring all round development to the area.

East Kameng on take-off mode

Vijay Sonam

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: The District Planning Officer has roped in the services of the two of the most successful NGOs of the North East; Samaj Unnayan Mahila Samiti (SUMS), an NGO from Assam working for the promotion of entrepreneurship development in Assam and Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO).

In its first attempt, SUMS has trained 50 women in mushroom cultivation. Time to time consultancy service to the needy persons and SHG are being provided free of cost. Though the response is lukewarm but once it catches up then it will spread like wild fire. Efforts are being made to attract the SHGs and farmers to take up viable economic activities like cane and bamboo works, mushroom cultivation, rubber plantation etc.

East Kameng having vast natural resources can be engineered to a resourceful district by promotion of tourism and its associated activities. The pristine land in the upper reaches with snow clad mountains, flora & fauna and the Kameng River flowing throughout the length and breadth of the district and finally into Assam provides a ready-made destination for the adventure lovers. The beautiful valleys of Pappu, Passa and Pakke-kessang and snow-capped mountains with varied flora and fauna in Lada, Khenewa, Sawa, Pipu and Chayang tajo circles have all the potentials of being a hot spot for tourists that we can name on earth. All these resources are lying un-utilized because of lack of planning. To bridge the gap and to give a boost to tourism sector, Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators (SAATO) has been rope in as a consultant for preparation of a plan for development and promotion of rural tourism and adventure sports for East Kameng District. The SAATO team headed by P.K. Dong visited the district. To start with, the Kameng River & Pappu River has been short listed for river rafting, winter/summer camps etc. Villages near the periphery of Seppa like Loffa, Taku, Veo and Lumdang villages are also being proposed for developing as a hub for rural tourism. Other activities likely to be taken up are training on tent fetching, trekking, river rafting etc. The success of the plan will be replicated in other part of the district. The District Administration is facilitating in all manners. The success will large depend on the nature of receptiveness of the stakeholders.

Training on mustard production technology

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Momong Lohit conducted a training programme on “Scientific cultivation practices of Mustard” and “Integrated Pest Management in Mustard” for farmers of Juna-I village from Sept 22. A total of 34 farmers were present in the training.

Debasish Borah, SMS (Agronomy) discussed about the concept and importance of mustard cultivation, HYV in Mustard, INM in Mustard, intercultural practices, preservation and cost of production of mustard.

Madhumita Sonowal Bora, SMS (Plant Protection) trained the participants about the various methods of pest management in mustard. She also spoke about control measures of commonly found pests and diseases in Lohit district. During the training, problems faced by farmers in various crops were discussed.

Forum condemns attack on Mra

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: Arunachal Pradesh Human Rights, Juvenile Justice Forum (APHRJJF) has condemned the attack on EveresterTapi Mra by the miscreants recently.

Expressing serious concern over present law and order situation in the state Capital, the Forum appealed to the home department to improve law and order situation. There should be bold and effective measures to remove the fear psychosis and respect the human rights of the people, the Forum added.

While demanding high-level enquiry into the attack case of Mra and arrest of main culprit for stringent punishment, the Forum said Mra, a man of simplicity and peace loving nature, brought laurel for the state with his dedication and hard work.

The Forum also condemned attack on an advocate recently and demanded proper security to lawyers and posting of IPS and IAS officers in capital for effective administration.

It further advocated for immediate separation of judiciary from administration for effective and prompt delivery of justice.

DC concerned at slow progress

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: The 2nd Quarter meeting of District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) Tawang to review implementation/progress of various schemes under ACA, SPA, NEC, NLCPR, RIDF, PM

Package, and BADP, etc. for the year 2011-12 was held today under the chairmanship of Kemo Lollen Deputy Commissioner Tawang at his office chamber.

While minutely reviewing the projects, Lollen expressed his concern about the slow progress of work and said that all the schemes should be completed within the stipulated time frame identified by

the govt and handover the same to concerned beneficiary departments. He specifically asked PWD Tawang division to immediately complete the road widening works under SPA for convenience of the general public.

While stressing on site inspection of the project to check the quality and timely completion of all projects, he asked the implementing agencies to chalk out a detail tour programme for inspection of all projects in the district.

He also insisted on involvement of administration in monitoring as well as in implementation of projects so to mitigate any administrative or local problem in implementation of these entire programmes.

Earlier, he visited Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya at Kangteng which is 20 kms away from the district headquarter. There he inspected the school and hostels buildings and interacted with the teacher and students.

Training Workshop on Beekeeping for Self Help Groups

ITANAGAR, Sep 28: G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development, North East Unit, Itanagar organized a “Training Workshop on Beekeeping for Self Help Groups” on September 28 under its GOI-UNDP CCF-II project entitled “Biodiversity conservation through community based natural resource management in Arunachal Pradesh” funded by Ministry of Environment and Forests and United Nations Development Programme.

About 20 participants from four SHGs, constituted under this project in project villages namely Jamiri in West Kameng District, Hija and Hong villages from Apatani plateau in Lower Subansiri District participated in the training. The trainees were imparted training on various aspects and techniques of beekeeping.

Addressing the trainees, Dr. PK Samal, Scientist Incharge of the Institute informed that the project focuses on local human resource development and a mechanism to institutionalize the process of environmental sustainability through formation of community/village institutions and their involvement in natural resource management for reducing natural resource dependency through peoples participation. The project envisages facilitating and strengthening community initiatives for biodiversity conservation, particularly that of forests and its environmental services, reduction in hunting and enhanced livelihoods for local communities integrating income generating activities like beekeeping, community based tourism (CBT), agro-forestry, rice-fish farming system, etc., thereby alleviating poverty. The overall aim of this project is to develop viable, replicable and effective community based resource management system.

Resource persons from the Institute MS Lodhi, Mihin Dollo, Dr. LJ Singh and Shivaji Chaudhry, and JP Saikia a beekeeping entrepreneur gave lectures and demonstration to the trainees on beekeeping. Various aspects like potential species of bees that are suitable to the area, role of various bees that include the Queen, Drone and the Worker; techniques of developing bee colony/beehive, collection of bees from wild, their rearing, extraction of honey, etc., were discussed. The economic benefits that would accrue from beekeeping like selling of the queen, larvae, bee wax etc., were also informed to the participants.

Dr Samal, the State Coordinator of the project also informed that after training, the trainees are being provided with bee-boxes, bee colonies and other required components so that the trainees and SHGs benefit from the training by adopting beekeeping as a source of income.

Issue concession card for students

Dear Editor,

I on behalf of the students of Govt Secondary School, Nirjuli would like highlight the plight of the poor students of the school who are travelling by APST or other mode of transportation to reach Nirjuli.

Every morning in the school, I find some of my student friends off mood and tire-some as they have to pay travelling charge daily beyond their capacity. Sometimes, the students have to involve in altercation with bus conductor or tempo driver while paying the fare. Most of the students reading in Govt schools are from poor or middle class family who can not afford Rs 20 as fare every morning.

I, therefore, would like to request the higher authorities, particularly the District Transport officer to provide concession card or transport ID to our students so that they can arrive at school by city bus or any other mode of transportation with minimum fare of Rs 10 or 5.

Yours,

Satam Akii

GS, Govt Sec School, Nirjuli

Where is my application form?

Dear Editor,

I would like to share my grievances because of a missing application from the APPSCE office. As an aspiring candidate, I have submitted my application form along with all requisite documents for the post of district statistical officer (DSO) at APPSCE office, Itanagar before the last date of submission of application. Interview for the same is to be conducted on 8th and 9th of next month, while my application is found missing from both the selected and rejected list of candidates and even in the entry register. I wonder where it has gone, when I have put it inside the big receive box. Has it gone missing somewhere between the box and entry register, if then, who is responsible?

The reception of application forms only through boxes is also frequently observed in other departmental offices which do not show any proof of submission of the applicants.

Therefore, I express resentment with a request to all the departmental authorities to adopt a better transparent means of reception of application for the interest of all the desiring and deserving candidates.

Yours,

Makyem Ngupok

Itanagar

Bless us with ATM

Dear Editor,

In spite of repeated appeals, requests from the public to install an ATM (Automated Teller Machine) at Miao township for larger interest of public of Miao and Kharsang circles etc, the authority is turning deaf ear to the matter.

In this connection, I would like to share my experience at Miao SBI. One day I was at the bank to draw a sum of Rs 2000 only for my relative who came from far flung village with a cheque. Just to withdraw that amount I had to stand in queue for more than three hours. But after waiting for three hours, one of the bank employees announced that the link is not available. With no other option I had to return home with the cheque.

Such is the condition of the SBI Miao and public are facing lot of difficulties. Installation of an ATM would have solved such problems and one could draw money from ATM at least.

Therefore, I request the authorities concerned to install an ATM at least at ADC Hq Miao for the benefit of general public.

Yours,

Munwang Khimhun

Maio, Changlang.

The tug of war

Dear Editor,

The tug-of war within the Congress Party has once again brought to limelight their weakness, negligence for mass and greediness for suzerainty. This drama has become a mockery of the party. The Congress legislature, who the people have elected, are busy pulling each other’s leg and leaving their duties behind. In order to gain power they used all means. If the party has a high command in the state, he or she would have controlled their party representatives to stop such act of mockery and take necessary action. The people have elected them with faith and hope but their war has made public sufferer since last five months. If there is a problem within the party and AICC president is unable to tackle the problem and not paying full attention and guidance to their needs then why the legislators are still with the party? They should have joined the regional party of PPA. By doing this they would have come up with genuine solution quickly to the party problem and public would not have suffered. The act of “Aaya Ram Gaya Ram” is quite visible to us. The leaders who people have elected with faith have brought down people’s faith in them and their party.

It is time for people of Arunachal to awake, rise and be aware of what is happening in the state.

Yours’

Khyoda Ram

President PPA

Youth Front

Arunachal Pradesh.

Lohit and law and order

Dear Editor,

Its really very painful to witness so much law and order problem in Lohit district .Day by day the local people are being kidnapped and killed in this place. During the PRC issue also, one local youth was killed and the accused who even accepted the crime was later on released on bail. Even those involved in the burning down of the houses are not yet arrested. Such incidents gives fear psychosis to the local people, the day is not far when the locals will be compelled to leave their land.

Its really surprising to see that these incidents are all happening in the district of our beloved cabinet minister Chowna Mein who seem less concerned about the law and order problem.

God, save our place.

Yours

Chow Bramadutt Namchoom Namsai

There is no tiger at Namdapha!

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Chimoy Simai’s letter. I don't know you but your feedback "the number of Tiger is declining" proves that you are one of the researchers of tiger in Namdapha.

So, how many tigers were there?How many number has declined?

I'm sorry but let me be very clear about this. You can't find even a single tiger inside the so-called "tiger reserved" Namdapha!

Why is it hurts you when we are fighting for our own tribe? We are not fighting for an individual, not for the single family. But we are doing for the entire community.

We expect you to support us instead. How will you maintain the unity and integrity among us?

On the other hand, I would like to inform the authorities that we are not saying that the local people are against us. We know that Tangsas, Lisus and Singphos are the only brothers within the dist. We understands your suggestions and advices. Hope you also understand our pains and feelings.

Our leaders can show you a documentary evidence about our existence in India since 1917.

Yours,

Elvin Yobin

Bangalore, (on email)

Shortage of notes and coins

Dear Editor,

I would like to attract the attention of SBI authorities regarding the scarcity of notes and coins of small denomination. Severely affected by the shortage of coins in circulation, retailers in the city have been forced to pay 8% premium to get 100 Re1 coins in the black market. This means they pay Rs 8 to Rs10 extra to get 100 coins in Re1, Rs2 and Rs5 denominations.

The small notes and coins are not available in the banks of capital complex (Naharlagun-Itanagar-Nirjuli). Because of this scarcity business community is facing severe problem.

I request to all the banks that they should lift the required quantity of coins and small notes from the RBI by placing indent whenever there is demand and a Punitive steps to make available adequate supplies of small coins and notes in Capital complex Main Branch as well as in the entire Papum Pare district especially for the Business People.

Yours,

Bajrang Lal Pancharia (on email)

Callous to the point of being criminal

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Poonam I Kaushish's article "Pantomime of Poverty"( 27 September).

ThePlanning Commi-ssion's definition of poverty line is callous to the point of being criminal. Countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Holland and New Zealand have not wasted their energy, resource and time on nuclear and space research. Instead of discovering water on the moon, they have concentrated on the well-being of the man dwelling on earth, thereby ensuring a steady supply of potable water to each and every household in their respective societies. Thus it comes as no surprise that when the said countries rank among top 10 in Human Development Index year after year; India, laggard in every international scale which really matter, has to bank merely on the rhetoric of "high rate of economic growth"!

Actually India, in order to acieve "greatness", is just playing to the gallery. Pokhran and Moon-mission get priority over the millions who are leading a gruesome life, entangled in the vicious cycle of malnutrition, poverty, hunger and iliteracy. In its zeal to project itself as a big power with an "enviable rate of economic growth", New Delhi has resorted to the greatest lie of the planet ie statistics. If a meagre earner of Rs.26/32( in village/city) per day gets designated as living "above the poverty line", then the numerical strength of persons actually struggling in abject poverty can be "reduced" to a mammoth extent!

It is a matter of unfathomable shame that when a tiny and "backward" country named Bhutan is pursuing the unique philosophy of "Gross National Happiness" whereby the entire focus has been to ensure health and education for all so that prosperity is shared by everyone; the "progressive" India is heartless enough to deny the horrible poverty of the man, who cannot afford to buy even 1.5 kg of rice from the market, just because of his "sin" of earning "as much as" Rs.26/32 per day!

Yours,

Kajal Chatterjee,

Kolkata

They have the right to be protected

Dear Editor,

It is very heartbreaking to hear about the killing of late Chow Sunanda Manpong by some miscreant from Assam on the fateful day of September 21. I don’t understand why the local youth are being killed mercilessly every year in this area. I think this is not the first time that such heinous crimes are taking place in this area. The people of Old Mohong and New Mohong are in constant fear since the incident of PRC. The Home ministry must deploy a permanent police outpost either at Old Mohong or at New Mohong to ensure safety of the local citizen which is the hour of the need. The bonafide citizens of these two localities have the right to be protected through security arrangement from the government.

I urge the student union, Panchayat and Gaon buras in general and the local MLA in particular to awaken the masses to protest over the incident so that culprit be booked at the earliest.

Yours,

Lomhom Tangha,

Bangalore

********************************

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----Editor

Childhood vaccination

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea in children under five years of age, killing more than half a million children each year world-wide – 50 per cent of them in Africa – and causing illness in several million more. Pneumococcal disease causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis and also takes the lives of more than half a million children each year worldwide, the vast majority of them in Africa and Asia.

However, the good news is that a United Nations-backed scheme that delivers vital immunizations to those who need them the most announced that it will provide funding for 37 more developing countries to introduce vaccines against the two leading causes of death among children – diarrhoea and pneumonia.

The announcement comes one day after the Executive Committee of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) approved funding for 16 more developing countries to introduce rotavirus vaccines and 18 more countries to introduce pneumococcal vaccines. Of the 37 countries approved for the vaccines, 24 are in Africa.

By 2015, GAVI and its partners plan to support more than 40 of the world’s poorest countries to rollout rotavirus vaccines and immunise more than 50 million children. Sudan, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Guyana, and Honduras have already introduced rotavirus vaccines with GAVI’s support.

2nd green revolution - need of the hour

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called for a second “green revolution” to feed the country’s burgeoning population that is forecast to overtake China in numbers by 2025.(65th independence day)

RIMA TAIPODIA

After the green revolution in the late sixties, India has proclaimed her self sufficiency in food grain production. As a result of productive research, the total food grains production increased from 50.8 million tonnes during 1950-51 to 241.6 million tonnes in 2010-11 to maintain the self sufficiency. This could be possible with the intensive cultivation practices including introduction of high yielding varieties and use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides.

The green revolution spread intensive agriculture, which actually led to environmental problems: (i) Excessive and untimely irrigation ;(ii) replacement of a rich diversity of traditional varieties with fewer high yielding varieties; and (iii) inappropriate use of fertilizers and pesticides. The indiscriminate use of chemicals has resulted in reduction in the biodiversity of natural enemies, outbreak of secondary pests, development of resistance to pesticides and contamination of food and the eco-system. During this century there has been an almost 100 per cent increase in the number of insects and mites due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides.

The drive to produce enough food to support a growing population has resulted in the use of increasingly marginal resources and a full scale assault on the country’s remaining forest lands. Every year the country is loosing 1.5 lakh hectares of forest cover and 1200 crore tonnes of top soil. The most challenging task is to save the existing forests and arrest the march of the deserts followed up by intensive afforestation drive with the active involvement of the people.

The rapid increase in population imposes enormous stress on the limited resources and environmental degradation is becoming more serious day by day. The strategy for ecologically sound environmental management practices for conservation must work hand in hand with the efforts for sustainable development to ensure social and economic equity, make efficient use of natural resources and faster self-reliance.

The agricultural production to sustain its growth for future generations is affected by the declining trend in the carrying capacity of land and the ecological degradation. The major ecological problems affecting the sustainability in agriculture are water logging, soil erosion, soil salinity and alkalinity and pest and disease problems. Since the food requirements by 2020-21 are about 280 million tonnes to sustain the self-sufficiency, it is essential to look for an eco-friendly approach for evolving and popularizing ecology based low cost input and environmentally sustainable basis.

Industrial-style farming, often known as the “green revolution,” has been widely credited with saving perhaps billion of people from starvation by boosting the yield of grain crops in India, China, Pakistan, Mexico and other countries. But the green revolution, which relies on intensive use of water, fertilizer, pesticides and energy, has come at a cost. Such costs include anemic soils, depleted water supplies, diminished biodiversity, resilient pests, super weeds and polluted air, water and soil.

The technological breakthroughs achieved in the 1960s are gradually waning and no big crop-tech has come up since then. The need for a Second Green Revolution is being experienced more than ever before. The special attention that needs to be given to increasing production of nutrition-rich crops like pulses, fruits and vegetables, which remained untouched in the first Green Revolution. Consequently, the Indian agriculture should diversify from just crop farming to livestock, fisheries, poultry and horticulture, besides focusing on raising farm productivity with adequate focus on rain-fed areas.

“In order to grow, agriculture must learn to save,”. That means preserving soil’s natural fertility by minimizing ploughing, and recycling crop waste to enrich the earth. It means smarter, integrated way of managing pests, rotating crops, and greater precision in the use of fertilizer and drip irrigation.

Some studies show that farmers can get bumper crops if they follow these practices and, at the same time, save water, energy and other costs.

India needs a second green revolution with newer technological breakthroughs and higher investment in the sector, even while projecting 5.4 per cent farm growth this year. The agriculture sector in India is at a crossroads, with rising demand for food items and relatively slower supply response in many commodities resulting in frequent spikes in food inflation. The sector needs to grow at 8.5 per cent next fiscal to achieve the targeted 4 per cent growth in the Eleventh Plan (2007-12). Some suggestions are summarised below for the success of environment friendly green revolution.

To conserve well endowed and beautiful kind of genetic diversity in plant, immediate attention and positive attitudes are required. The priority area of activity should be to develop strategies emphasizing fusion of biodiversity conservation with the broad based plant variety improvement programme specifically the use of diverse land races to improve the yielding ability of varieties suiting subsistence of marginal farmers, diverse and risk prone areas typical of dryland agriculture.

Plant breeder’s priorities should be towards the development of varieties resistant to insect pest and disease and potential for rainfed and other adverse conditions.

Due to problems related to nutrient exhaustion, salinity build up and rising water table, the productivity gains in irrigated areas are plateauing out. Therefore, it is inevitable that the second green revolution has to come from rainfed areas which is 67 per cent of total cultivated area and accordingly application of modern technology, inputs and investments has to be tailored to convert these so called “grey areas into green”.

Considering the ill effects of the indiscriminate use of

chemical pesticides, Bio- intensive Integrated Pest Management (BIPM), a more feasible and economical method of pest management is to be made popular, particularly among small and marginal farmers. BIPM means the conservation and augmentation of natural enemies of crop pests and adoption of all compatible cultural, mechanical, physical, genetic, selective chemical pesticides, tolerant varieties and legal methods. A combination of chemical and biological factors and adoption of appropriate cultural practices are to be popularised among farmers for effective control of insect and pests.

As an effective substitute for chemicals, biological control of insect pests has been suggested. It is the control of harmful pests by using natural predators (aphid, beetles, nematodes, toads, frogs and birds). These natural enemies play a key role in managing the population of crop pests.

Bio-pesticides have the potential to replace chemical pesticides. The research and development cost of bio-pesticides is much less as compared to chemical pesticides. Today neem is regarded as nature’s own answer to effective insect control. Its eco-friendliness, easy availability and its renewable nature helps to manufacture different bio-pesticides. Bio-intensive Integrated Pest Management(BIPM) utilizing the best available bio-control techniques while using minimum chemical pesticides, is an effective remedy to the pest problems in India and a good hope for a healthier tomorrow.

To raise the yield of crop, it is important to popularize judicious use of organic manure and chemical fertilizers. Considering the special benefits of the integrated plant nutrient supply system, it is suggested to implement schemes like the balanced and integrated use of fertilizers with the aim of promoting the use of organic manures and biofertilizers. It is further suggested to encourage the processing and production of compost from urban wastes and bio-fertilizers in a decentralized manner apart from popularising the improved compost (vermi compost) making techniques for preparation of rural compost.

Due to wind and water erosion, about 80 per cent of India’s cultivated land is being slowly reduced to unproductive parched terrain. In most cases, physical deterioration of the soils has also occurred. More energy is required to cultivate the land, and a higher proportion of rainwater is lost as run-off. Thus, a various self destructive cycle of natural resources base has been triggered and, if not halted soon, it could potentially lead to endemic hunger, environmental degradation and extensive human deprivation. The construction of earthen small dams to check the over flow of rainwater will not cost much money or labour. This simple basic idea of watershed technology is effective and ecologically sound for soil and water conservation both. This vast potential of conserved water could then be used during the long, hot and dry summer months. Watershed framework provides one excellent option for sustainable farm management for today and the years to come.

For domestic use, animal culture, industries and agriculture, water is in constant demand. However, with the limited resources, less than one per cent water is available for agriculture and hence, it is treated as gold. Its judicious use is strongly recommended in crop irrigation. Micro irrigation (sprinkler and drip irrigation) is the latest and most efficient method of water utilization for crop growth. It has high water use efficiency and hence should be adopted on a large scale for various crops in a country like ours.

Agroforestry based farming system should be encouraged. Agroforestry systems maintain soil fertility and productivity through cycling of nutrients and prevent soil erosion and loss of nutrients through leaching and run-off. Many leguminous tree species fix nitrogen from the atmosphere and return much more in leaf fall than they take from the soil. About 5-10 leguminous trees like shisham and khejri are to be planted in every acre of land for nitrogen enrichment of soils. Popular has been widely cultivated in Punjab, Haryana and Tarai area of Uttar Pradesh and is being used by several industries, e.g. match splints, ply-wood, packing cases, etc. Salt tolerant species like babul and eucalyptus are to be planted in salt affected areas. Such systems improve the productivity of plants and animals since they are based on sustainable land management and maximum utilization of natural resources, to increase the ecological and economic benefits.

India must increase yields to feed its population which already stands at 1.21 billion people. India is expected to supplant China as the world’s most populous nation by 2025.The agriculture sector is growing at three percent annually-one percent below target-helping drive food inflation that has spiraled faster than in most major economies, causing huge misery for India’s poor. India is poised to introduce a food security bill aiming to guarantee cheap food grains for nearly 70 percent of the population which will impose even greater food production challenges. Last year, the number of Indians living in poverty and unable to meet their nutritional needs from 28 percent to 37 percent - representing some 440 million people. There is a need for the spending outlay on agriculture research and development to double or even triple by 2020.

The Centre has decided to extend the second Green Revolution to Eastern and Northeast India for ensuring the nation’s food security. Northeast could act as a catalyst towards ushering in a second green revolution in the country. The Northeast is endowed with enormous potential in the agri-horti and other allied sectors. These have to be tapped to the optimum level to step up production in a big way to ensure food security. The first Green Revolution was essentially in Punjab, Haryana, western UP and parts of Andhra Pradesh. This time the government has decided to concentrate on other states, including eastern region, with an area specific approach. the initiative have been taken in consultation with the state governments of the region to make tailor-made plans to suit specific requirements of each state, keeping in view the distinct physiography, topography, climatic and soil conditions of each state in the region.

To be sure, the developing world’s farmers get mixed messages about how to coax more from their small plots of land. It remains to be seen how far the FAO’s new advice can reach into the most remote places. (The writer is a STO, scholar(Botany), specialized in Tea Husbandry and technology sponsored by TEA BOARD OF INDIA and former tea consultant to the state planning department govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.)