From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: Farmes and self-help groups from various parts of Jaintia Hills district displayed maize produced by them in the Maize Mela organised by the Office of the District Agriculture Officer in collaboration with the Agriculture Technology Managerment Agency and KVK, Jowai at Chutwakhu Indoor Stadium here on Thursday.
The Mela was organised with a view to encouraging famers to grow more quantity of maize, which is in high demand not only for human consumption but also to feed domesticated animals, in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture department, P Kharkongor said maize produced in the State is of high quality and rich in protein.
Maize grown in the State has good demand in the market and the farmers should improve their production to meet the demand, he said.
The government has sanctioned Rs 2.30 crore to grow yellow maize for feeding domesticated animals. “Any farmer who owns at least a one-hectare plot of land can avail the scheme,” Kharkongor said.
The factory manufacturing animal feeds needs about 60 lakh kg maize to meet the demand in the State but the farmers could not meet the required production.
Further, Kharkongor said maize can bring more profit to farmers as it can be grown in all seasons. “If all farmers grow maize four times a year, I am sure it will meet the market demand,” he said.
Others who spoke on the occasion were DAO, JK Passah, DHO, Y Shylla and Director Agriculture, DNW Momin besides others.
Vaccination drive: As part of the year-long world Veterinary Year celebration, the Meghalaya Veterinaty Services Association, Jaintia Hills District Unit orgnised a mass vaccination drive at Rymbai village on Tuesday. A total of 3100 livestocks and poultry were vaccinated on the day.
Boy missing: A 14-year-old boy, Mebatskhem Shadap, a student of class V, hailing from Nagacherra in Halagandi district of Assam went missing from Khliehriat since Monday. The boy’s relatives lodged a complaint with Khliehriat Police on Thursday.
Centre for urban deprived children: The Mar Chaphrang Development Society started a new centre for urban deprived children in Jowai on Thursday.
The inaugural function was held at Mar Chaphrang cum Traning hall and the District Education Officer, C. Slong, attended the programme as the chief guest.
At least 100 deprived children mostly from poor family background were registered at the centre.
The Society’s aim is to provide with education, vocational training etc., to the deprived children.
Umbrella, school bags, pens, textbooks and exercise books were distributed among the children on the occasion.