jan16 26

Tomo Riba honoured, State Hospital renamed

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Tomo Riba (1934-2000), former Chief Minister and one of the tallest leaders that the day state has produced was finally honoured today with the renaming of the Arunachal State Hospital after him.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today unveiled the re-naming plaque of the newly christened Tomo Riba State Hospital at Naharlagun.

Tuki said, "Achi Tomo's contributions to the State were immense and the re-naming of the hospital was a way to pay tribute to him." He further said that as long as the hospital was there, the name and legacy of late Riba will continue to be there and inspire people.

Tuki remembered late Riba as a leader who strongly believed in the idea of one family, one Arunachal and saluted him for living his life in trying to achieve this ideal.

Minoti Riba, a pioneer in Cooperative movement in the state and wife of late Tomo Riba, extended the family's gratitude to government as well as all Legislators for their decision to name the hospital after Riba.

She said that as late Tomo Riba was very closely connected with the hospital and it was apt that the hospital has been named after him.

She thanked the Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi for his initiative in getting the re-naming done.

Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, in an erudite address, said that “today when people have access to much wealth and facilities, but lack compassion in our lives, late Riba's life stands as a great inspiration.

He also dwelt at length on how there is an acute need to ensure that delivery of services particularly in education and health be taken up diligently by the government.

Citing the example of the success of the State's health insurance scheme in place in Arunachal, he said this was a fine example of what can be achieved if the right approach exists in reaching our goals, whereby because of the committed efforts of the doctors the scheme was registering much success.

Commissioner, (H&FW)Bolung Siram said that it was very befitting that the hospital was named after late Riba, considering his close association with the hospital.

Parliamentary Secretary, H & FW Karya Bagang lauded late Tomo Riba's contribution to the state and recalled him as one of the tallest leaders of the state.

Director, H & FW Dr. Moji Jini recalled the time when he was witness to Riba's involvement in the growth of what was General Hospital, Naharlagun at that time and said that the re-naming was a right tribute.

While expressing his hope that the infrastructure of the Hospital grows and develops swiftly, he also pointed out that there is a great responsibility on the media and the public to make real the dream of having the State's own medical college- a dream that has been nurtured for long by people.

Jini also proposed that January 25 be recognized and celebrated as the Hospital Day of the newly named Tomo Riba State Hospital.

Later, on behalf of the Tomo Riba Memorial Trust, a symbolic hamper containing bed sheets and pillow covers were handed over to the hospital authority.

Heavy presence of security forces in Capital, indecisiveness continues over Central rule in Arunachal

ITANAGAR/ New Delhi, Jan 25: Though the President of India is yet to formally sign the papers proclaiming centre’s rule in the state but the capital town of Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed increased movement of security personnel.

Officials refuse to confirm or deny but the number is estimated to be around one thousand SSB personnel or ten companies in the state capital alone.

The state administration is reported to have asked for extra forces on Dec 14, prior to the session of the legislative assembly, fearing breakdown of law and order. But the personnel have stayed on as the state continues to reel under the uncertainty because of infighting within the ruling government as well as open turf war between the Governor and the Chief Minister.

Sources say that the SSB has come as a replacement to ITBP, an Arunachal old timer, as they have been pressed into assignment elsewhere. Arunachal remains one of the most militiarised zones in the world but presence of security personal in the civilian areas has so far been fairly restricted. But it remains to be seen how long the security forces will be confined to the borders with political instability reaching its peak and Union cabinet keen on central rule.

Security checks by security have already been intensified all over the Capital resulting in long traffic queues.

Apart from thousands of central security forces spread across the Arunachal, state police personnel are approximately numbered at eleven thousand. Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee today asked questions about the need to bring Arunachal Pradesh under Central rule, a decision that was challenged by the Congress in the Supreme Court which will hear the case on Wednesday, reports Pti.

Suspense mounted a day after the Cabinet decided to impose the President's rule with Mukherjee calling Home Minister Rajnath Singh when he is believed to have raised some queries on the urgency over the action, especially when the apex court was seized of the matter.

The President is also said to be considering seeking legal opinion before taking a final call.

In the evening a delegation of Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge and Kapil Sibal submitted a memorandum in which the party said that this is for the first time that a decision to impose President's rule has been taken in the midst of a court hearing.

The party also enclosed a "summary of events" detailing the "disquieting events leading to the Governor's illegal actions". "The Constitution is being trampled upon. Just two days before the Republic day, the Union Cabinet is taking such a decision. We will fight an all-out war. We will fight in Parliament, in court and along with people. Will tell them how democracy is being endangered", Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters.

Sibal, a noted lawyer, said it was "shocking" that the Arunachal Governor had recommended President's rule in the state in spite of an assurance by his lawyer in the Supreme Court that "no precipitate action" would be taken.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court today decided to hear on January 27 a plea challenging the Union Cabinet's recommendation to impose President's Rule in crisis-hit Arunachal Pradesh moved by the Congress, which alleged that "illegal" attempts have been made by the Centre and the Governor to topple the Nabam Tuki government there.

The petition seeking urgent hearing was mentioned before Chief Justice T S Thakur, at his residence, who directed the matter to be listed for hearing on Wednesday.

"The matter was placed before the CJI. He has listed for hearing on January 27," Virendra Kumar, Deputy Registrar told PTI.

The fresh plea was filed by Rajesh Tacho, Chief Whip of Congress Legislature party.

Concept of cooperative federalism has been put to test: Tuki

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: The Chief Minister in his Republic Day message to the people of the state said that due to recent developments that can be best termed as political conspiracy, people of the State are going through trying times while the very concept of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution of India has been put to test.

Tuki said “It pains my heart to witness the hard times being faced by citizens for no fault of theirs. But we know truth never fails and the right always emerge victorious”,.

He has said that the sacred document of Constitution has steadfastly guided India to emerge as one of the strongest countries in the world upholding the principles of federalism. At such times, we must stand united and defeat all kinds of divisive forces that are bent on disturbing peace, stability and communal harmony that our society has maintained since ages, the message read.

He appealed all to stand united and be faithful to the given responsibilities – irrespective of class and nature - for peace, stability and development of our beloved state and country.

Further, the Chief Minister in his message highlighted various programmes and policies initiated by his government.

Among others, he said that state share for health and education will be allocated in the beginning of the fiscal year and the coverage of Chief Minister’s Universal Health Insurance Scheme will be extended so that no household in the state is left uncovered.

Stand up against corruption, says Governor

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Governor J P Rajkhowa has called on the people of the state to stand up against corruption. In a message to the people of the state on the eve of the Republic Day, he appealed to the people of the state to “join hands to fight the menace of the hydra-headed monster called Corruption otherwise Good Governance would be a far cry and the common man would continue to suffer”.

He further said that “Our biggest collective achievement over this period has been our ability to preserve the democratic traditions of the country and take significant steps forward on the road to becoming a mature and vibrant democracy”.

“With great authority comes great responsibility and the onus to imbibe and nurture the values enshrined by the framers of the Constitution, lies on all of us, as responsible, law-abiding, accountable, ethically guided and patriotic citizens” he said. “While we are guaranteed Fundamental Rights through Part III of the Constitution, we have to ensure that by our acts, we do not infringe into Fundamental Rights of other Citizens, and do not misuse these Rights; for example, Right to freedom of speech and expression; right to assemble peacefully and without arms, to move freely throughout the territory of India” he said.

Government and the State can forge ahead to keep pace with the rest of India only with the active co-operation and participation of every citizen of the State, the Governor said.

Let us dream for a progressive, prosperous, developed and happy Arunachal Pradesh and work tirelessly to realize that dream, he said as he underscored the need to develop a broad-based, all inclusive, multi-track educational system for generating creative, innovative, hard-working, committed, multi-skilled manpower determined to face challenges nationally as well as internationally by introducing competitive principles and promoting University reforms and higher thrust through use of information and cyber technology.

He also paid tributes to the thousands of “heroes of 1962 War, who sacrificed their lives in defence of Mother India, when they valiantly fought the Chinese invaders, on the Arunachal front and also along the Western Himalayas, against hundreds of odds”.

Orgs, JAC welcome recommendation for President’s rule

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Fifteen organisations under the aegis of Joint Action Committee Arunachal Pradesh headed by former MLA Lokam Tassar today welcomed the Union govt’s recommendation for President’s rule in Arunachal Pradesh.

In a press conference held here today, organisations termed the decision as historic to uphold the constitution of India, however, at the same time organisations blamed Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Nabam Rebia for the recommendation alleging that Tuki led govt failed to perform paving the way for the President’s rule in Arunachal.

In a strong worded statement, the conglomeration of organisation demanded the authority to book Tuki and Rebia under National Security Act (NSA) for allegedly taking help from NSCN (K) to draw support from the legislators of Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts.

Condemning the turn of events post December 16th wherein the Legislative Assembly gate was locked, allegedly by Tuki camp, the organisations appealed to the Governor to initiate enquiry against Tuki and Rebia and their supporters. It also condemned scarifying of mithun at Raj Bhawan gate and alleged financial mismanagement by Tuki led government. Failing to fulfill their demands would invite rigorous series of agitation, they said.

Meanwhile, BJP Jan Andolan Committee (JAC) Chairman Tame Phassang also welcomed the decision of the union cabinet for President Rule in Arunachal Pradesh following months-long political crisis. Addressing the media persons, Phassang said that Chief Minister Nabam Tuki himself is responsible for decision to impose President rule, refuting the allegation leveled against Governor Rajkhowa and MoS Kiren Rijiju for allegedly orchestrating the current political crisis.

BJP JAC Chairman went on to claim that despite being popularly elected as CLP leader, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki failed to keep his Congress leaders intact, thus paving the way for dissident movement.

“The recommendation for President Rule by the union cabinet is result of Tuki’s misdeeds”, he said.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for life saving decision for the interest of people of Arunachal Pradesh. The decision has constitutionally been taken against Tuki led government under prescribed rule book, so it would be wrong to blame the Governor, he said.

JAC Chairman also hopes that Governor Rajkhowa would handle the situation properly after imposition of President Rule since he is an experienced former bureaucrat.

Mini Marathon get huge response

ITANAGAR, Jan 24: A mini marathon race was organized in the state capital here yesterday along with rest of the country to create a sense of patriotism, integrity and unity among the people of the country.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki flagged off the race at Indira Gandhi Park amidst huge gathering of participants, general public, BRO officers and the staff. The marathon ran through the streets to RK Mission Hospital via Abo-Tani Colony, VIP Road, Police post, Kingcup Public School, BankTinali and back to IG Park,

Later, Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi, Commissioner (GA) Hage Kojeen and Brigadier, H.K Pokhriyal distributed the prizes to the winners. Jyotsana Pokhriyal distributed the special prizes.

Commending the BRO for making the event a success, Negi expressed his happiness over large turnout of participants.

“There are always challenges to unity in border areas and within the country, but let us vow to maintain the unity among us irrespective of boundaries, castes, communities and cultures”, he said.

Karbu Kena, Jokom Ribya and Soma Rao won the first, second and third positions respectively in men’s open category. Cash prizes of Rs. 40,000 was awarded to the winner while Rs. 20,000 and Rs 10,000 were given to second and third position winners.

Anung Wangsu won the first position in women’s open category. The second and third positions were won the Johny Mangkhiya and Lishi Yassum. The winner, second and third place finishers in this category were awarded Rs. 20,000, Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 5000 respectively.

Winners of other categories are, Men’s above 45 years: Undun Nilo (first), Ribe Laa (second), Boney Bhushan Das (third); Women’s above 35 years: Rotom Yader Laa, Domtu Lombi, Bhanita Tinungpr, Boys below 16 years: Bamo Tamang, Gyamer Tating and Tara Tami; Girls’ below 16 years: Soni Nalo, Yamyam Kocha and Bameng Yupe. All the winners, second and third position holders in these categories were also awarded cash prizes.

Besides, there were 10 consolation prizes for each category.

Hage Kojeen, received a consolation prize of Rs. 1000 in men’s above 45 years category for completing the race successfully. DIPRO

Discourage commercialisation of alcohol in festivals, EWEF

[ Karyir Riba ]

ROING, Jan 25: The Enjalumenda Women’s Empowerment Forum (EWEF) has appealed all community bodies of the state to discourage commercialisation of alcohol during their respective tribal festivals.

EWEF stated that working for the empowerment of women in the society, we are witness to the negative effects of alcohol abuse from close quarters, and of its overall effect on the society, especially on women and children. Not only does alcohol abuse cause health hazards, but it has adverse effects on the social and economic development of a family and a community, and affect people of all age groups, especially interfering with the development of underage abusers, it added.

Many broken marriages and dysfunctional families, where physical and verbal abuse is common, can be attributed to alcohol abuse by at least one member of the family, and children belonging to such families are worse affected as they are prone to higher rates of depression, low grades and feeling of social isolation, which sometimes leads them towards anti-social activities, said EWEF.

Further, EWEF added that they are not against serving local alcohol during local festivals. Traditional brews like rice beer and other local traditional drinks should indeed be served to the guests and encouraged during the tribal festivals, however, its commercialization at the festival ground should be strictly discouraged, it added.

Better forms of trade like putting up stalls showcasing local tribal textiles and handicrafts, food and cuisine etc. have to be sidelined because of the lure of easy and fast money fetched through selling alcohol in stalls at festival grounds.

CM inaugurates Hornbill Production unit

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today inaugurated the Hornbill Production Unit in a simple function at E-Sector, Naharlagun today. A host of dignitaries including Home Minister Tanga Byaling, PWD Minister Gojen Gadi, Transport Minister Jomde Kena, UD and Town Planning Parliamentary secretary Techi Kaso, APCC president Padi Richo, IMC Chief Councillor Kipa Kaku and Govt officials were present on the occasion.

The Chief Minister also switched on the machine and expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the products. While lauding the Managing Director of the Hornbill Pvt. Ltd, Meje Taku and his team for launching such venture in the state, the CM assured his support to Hornbill group and youth of the state as a whole who are eager to launch such self-employment venture.

In his address, Meje Taku informed that the Hornbill Private Ltd, will help the farmers of Arunachal Pradesh as it is going to process and package the local products for exporting it to big cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka, Kolkata etc. While assuring job opportunity in his venture for the unemployed of the state, Taku sought cooperation of all including media persons in his endeavour for welfare of the state.

Many other councilors and members of business community were also present on the occasion.

Central rule in state opposed

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Arunachal Pradesh Congress Seva Dal (APCSD) strongly condemned the Union Cabinet’s recommendation for imposition of President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh in spite of the matter which is still pending at Supreme Court.

Terming the recommendation as very unfortunate, the state Seva Dal in a press statement accused the BJP led NDA government in the Centre of murdering democracy to oust the democratically elected Congress Government in the state.

“There is no reason to impose President’s Rule in Arunachal Pradesh. There are no law and order problem and financial crisis,” the Seva Dal said, adding that this is nothing but a calculated move to destabilize the state government.

“This is not the first BJP has played such dirty politics in Arunachal Pradesh. In 2003 too we witnessed such political crisis to topple the Mukut Mithi Govt.,” the Seva Dal claimed.

The Seva Dal also said that Governor Rajkhowa is playing the main role to implement the hidden agenda of Central BJP Govt.

Local engineer builds ‘helicopter’

[ Litem Eshi/Ori ]

RUKSIN, Jan.25: Sagar Prasad Sharma of Dimow village under Dhemaji district, Assam, who succeeded to build a “Helicopter”, is the living proof that a formal degree is not always required to be successful in life.

It took class-3 pass Sagar Prasad three years to complete his dream project (of making a helicopter) with local technology. He worked in a closed room in the last three years assisted by his wife Jonmony Mayank. Prasad, a welder by profession working in Ruksin town of East Siang district, initially used a diesel engine of a vehicle in his helicopter.

He made public of about his doing so after completion of 90 per cent of the aircraft. The news spread like a wildfire and people from all around thronged his Dimow house to see the helicopter.

Sharma has so far spent more than Rs 10 lakhs for his helicopter. He also said that his dream would have come true if he was not assisted financially by his friend Toopan Gimere.

“I wish I could fly the helicopter in the sky of Assam on the Republic Day tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, security personnel have been deployed in his residence.

National Voters day celebrated in Arunachal

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: The 6th National Voters day was today celebrated across state with much enthusiasm.

Chief Electoral Office Kaling Tayeng attended the celebration at Yupia.

Highlighting the importance of day, he said that in order to encourage more young voters to take part in the political process, Govt of India has decided to celebrate January 25 every year as National Voters Day and also to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the election. Congratulating the young voters, he said that they are stepping into new phase of life having the power and right to participate in democratic process of the country by exercising their vote in a more responsible and fair manner.

He also appeal the people to refrain themselves from the practice of duplicity or multiple enrolment and to cast their vote without being influenced by caste, creed, community, religion or money power during electoral day.

Commandant ITBP, Yupia PN Prasad and Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Tai Kayi were also present on the occasion. On the occasion, students who won prizes in the essay competition held to mark national voters were awarded.

Gichik Simla a Class XI student of govt higher secondary school, Itanagar won 1st Prize in the Essay Competition.

Chief Electoral Officer felicitated 10 young voters with their new EPICs. 11 Best BLOs were also felicitated.

At Daporijo National Voters Day was celebrated at the DEO’s office, Daporijo in a befitting manner amidst gathering of officers, officials, BLOs and newly enrolled electors.

Addressing the gathering, SDO Hage Takka congratulated the newly enrolled electors and urged all present to create awareness amongst people for maximizing enrolment of eligible voters.

He reiterated the fact that greater participation of people in the electoral process is very essential for the success of democracy.

At Roing, National Voters Day was celebrated at Anchal Samiti Hall with the theme “Inclusive and Qualitative Electoral Participation.”

Attending the celebration, first woman everester from the North East, Tine Mena exhorted the youth to vote fearlessly and without the influence of money.

She said, “Today youths are easily lured with money during election. We need to change this and act differently in the future elections.”

Being the future of the nation, today’s youth need to be careful and think wisely as a responsible citizen to elect a good leader for the overall development of the area, she added.

93 years old Nomin Lego of Yibuk Village who is the oldest surviving voter under 43rd Roing ST Assembly Constituency (as per record available in the election office) attended the programme. He called upon the voters to maintain the secrecy and to vote on their own discretion without the influence of others.

Ravi Dhawan, DC cum DEO in his speech said that the Indian Democracy is one of the most vibrant democracies in the world where every citizen, irrespective of caste, creed, colour and positions have the right to vote.

He called upon the students to avail this right when they attain 18 years of age and to participate in the election process. He also highlighted about the importance of voting and the voting right.

Dr Mary Nanom Taloh, CO (Election) highlighted the objectives behind the celebration of National Voter’s Day. On the occasion new voters with the EPIC/Voter’s Card were felicitated and prizes for Essay Competition were distributed.

A Roing based NGO; AMYAA led by its Secretary Paul Chawang presented a Skit Play on the topic “Vote for a Stronger Democracy” on the occasion.

At Aalo, National Voters Day was celebrated in a befitting manner at Aalo Club. Large number of students, teachers and Booth Level Officers took part in the programme. The programme was attended by Tamik Talom, ADC, Aalo. Speaking on the occasion Jumdo Diyum, DPO Aalo advised students who have attained 18 years of age to enrol their names in electoral roll to take part in the democratic process and spread the message of Universal Franchise in the nook and corner of the district.

EAC Election, Kiren Ningo and AERO Murnya Kakki also highlighted the objectives behind observing the day.

At Khonsa too, National Voter’s Day was celebrated amidst large gathering.

Addressing gathering of students, government officials and election staff at government secondary school, Khonsa Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha, while describing India as the largest democracy said that no effort should be spared to make it the best democracy in the world. While throwing light on the advantages of democracy Deputy Commissioner said that unlike in many countries wherein there was no democracy, Indian citizens who had attained 18 years and above were free to elect the leaders of their choices.

Earlier EAC cum ERO Techu Aran while dwelling at length on the significance of the national voter’s day, urged the people to refrain from getting influenced by unfair means during the elections. He said that all the citizens of the country should be aware of the electoral processes and elect honest, educated and sincere candidates to represent their grievances in the State Assembly and the Parliament. The Head Master of Town Secondary School Tagin Akhang and host of others speaker spoke on the occasion. Altogether 1500 Epic Cards were issued all over the district on the day. In the morning the Teachers and students took out a procession in the Khonsa Township to create awareness among the voters.

At Koloriang, National Voter’s Day was celebrated at Deputy Commissioners Conference, Hall. The celebration was attended by students, public leaders and HoDs. The celebration was chaired by Y. Tapu, ADC. B Sorum, ERO appealed to the BLOs, BLAs and public to work jointly for error free electoral roll which can be used for conduction of free & fair election. Certificates and cash award were given to the participants of Youth Voter’s festival’2016 conducted by DEO, Koloriang at Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Koloriang.

At Hapoli, new voters were felicitated and the national voter pledge administered to all the citizens present. ERO Nending Chatung speaking on the occasion stressed on the need for all to be aware of adult franchise and exercise it with sincerity. Earlier a discussion in local dialect in connection with the voters right and the importance of the day was held in AIR, Ziro

At Pasighat, National Voters’ Day was celebrated at the Smart City Office conference hall. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Isha Khosla exhorted the voters to become a responsible citizen of the country. She gave away EPICs to few new voters on the occasion.

At Changlang, the Day was celebrated at Diet Auditorium. N Wangjen, SDO, Changlang was exhorted the young electors to exercise their voting rights. The theme of this year National Voters Day was “Inclusive and Qualitative Electoral Participation”. All Heads of Department, newly enrolled electors, senior students of HS School, Changlang and the BLOS of nearby Polling Stations participated in the function. The highlight of the function was distribution of PVC EPIC to newly enrolled electors, issue of badges to young electors and administering of voter's pledge

TEZU: Newly enrolled voters, Panchayats members and Goan Buras and Goa Buris along with govt officials, students and teachers took part at an event here to mark the day.

Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak underscored the need for registration of new voters.

He further stressed on the constitutional provisions of Adult Franchise which empower citizens to choose the best candidate to represent their areas and constituencies.

D.C expressed his disappointment at the participation of less number of Panchayats members.

The D.C also lamented about the lack of discipline among the students of Govt. Hr.Sec.School Tezu, which is reflected in this attendance of students. In the gathering D.C also distributed voter’s card to the students and staff.

Ering sanctions Rs 10 lakh for DEMGHSS

ITANAGAR, Jan 25: Lok Sabha MP Ninong Ering today visited fire devastated D. Ering Memorial Higher Secondary School and immediately sanctioned Rs 10 lakh from his MP LAD Fund for construction of classrooms.

Ering, who have been adopting the school since last year, has assured to provide all possible help to the school and provide necessary equipments as soon as possible.

While boosting up the morale of teaching faculty, Ering also requested the school authority to take precautionary measures in order to prevent from such fire incident.

Meanwhile, PMC Deputy Chief Councilor Kaling Darang highlighted the MP on immediate requirements of classrooms and equipments for the students. Later, PMC Chief Councilor Denong Tamuk donated 20 numbers of chairs and a computer set on behalf of the council to the school.

ICAR-NRC on Yak, Dirang celebrates foundation day

DIRANG, Jan 23: Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang celebrated its foundation day on Jan 23.

Addressing the celebration, Principal Scientist and in-charge Director, Dr. Debasis Bhattacharya highlighted the research achievements made by different scientists for the welfare of the Yak husbandry in India and also urged the institute staffs to work as a cohesive group for overall development of the institute. Earlier, he hoisted the institute flag at the start of the celebration.

A daylong training on scientific livestock management of high altitude was conducted for the Yak rearers. A total of 30 Yak rearers from Lubrang, Mandala and Nyukmadung villages attended the programme.

Principal Scientist, Bhattacharya briefed the participants about the scope of livestock in the high altitude. The training was coordinated by scientists Dr. Juwar Doley and Dr. Sourabh Deori.

The training mainly focused on different diseases of high altitude animals and their management, artificial insemination in livestock, summer stress management of livestock, feeding and shelter management, parasitic diseases etc.

Later a farmers-scientist interaction meet was held in which feed backs were taken from the participants. The farmers expressed their happiness and requested to conduct more such programmes in future. Basic amenities related to livestock farming were distributed among the Yak rearers under the Tribal Sub Plan of the institute.

Organic farming trainings conducted across West Kameng

DIRANG, Jan 25: Trainings with field demonstrations on organic farming were conducted to promote and encourage farmers to adopt organic farming by the Department of Agriculture, West Kameng at various locations.

The training was conducted at Dirang on Jan 18, at Thembang on Jan 19, at Nafra on Jan 21, at Thungri on Jan 23 and at Kalaktang on Jan 24 under BADP 2015-2016.

DC, West Kameng, A K Singh personally attended the training session at Thongri and Kalaktang along with former minister D K Thongdok and PRI members. DC Singh shared his vision of harmful chemical free organic district and asks the farmers to learn the techniques of organic agriculture from such trainings. He also advocated for complete ban on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the district when farmers are fully trained and ready. Further, the DC also asked the DAO to exercise all field staffs to make the training a result oriented one.

D. K Thongdok spoke on the health hazards, soil infertility problem with local examples. He also suggested exposure visit of farmers to Sikkim for hands on experience of organic farming.

In all the trainings, DAO, Bomdila, L Zimba described the importance of organic farming for sustainable cultivation and bad impacts of inorganic cultivation in the present context and in long run for the region. He also appealed the trainees to follow the motto ‘Cultivate healthy, eat healthy and feed healthy by adopting organic farming’.

Resource person, Programme Coordinator, KVK Dirang, Dr. N D Singh demonstrated vermin-compost production and elaborated on scientific soil health management. PDM of Camson Biotechnologies Limited, Tushar Ghosh imparted knowledge about certified organic inputs to replace chemicals. ADOs of respective circles trained the farmers on various aspects of certified organic farming. Around 100 numbers of farmers attended each training.

ADC, Dirang, D. Riba, ZPM Thembang, Jam Tsering, ASM Chairperson, Leki Dungru attended the training in their respective circles to motivate the farmers in adoption of organic farming.

All farmers were provided sprayer, organic fertilizers, pest control products, gloves, seeds and crates as supporting material for organic farming. DIPRO