Economic census to use mobile technology for data accuracy
SHILLONG: The seventh economic census will use mobile technology to ensure accuracy in data and will also engage Common Service Centres (CSCs). Speaking to a section of press at the State Level Training of Trainers (SLTOT) held on Friday at All Saints Cathedral Hall, State head of CSC SPV J Lyngdoh said that previously the economic census was done manually. With the use of mobile technology, GIS Mapping system will be used to identify the location of the business establishment. CSC is a scheme of the government under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology where it enables people to get doorstep services such as to money withdrawal, pension-related matters etc. CSC e-governance is working to get people sensitise on CSCs. Lyngdoh informed that the training will be followed up with a lot of public awareness programmes before going into actual survey. He further said there are 800 CSCs across the state.
Workshop on value addition to horticultural crops held
Ampati: A day-long seminar-cum-workshop on value addition of horticultural crops, under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, was organised by District Horticulture Officer of South West Garo Hills at Ampati on Thursday. Speaking at the programme, the District Horticulture Officer N Ch Sangma encouraged participants to take up value addition of different horticultural crops which are available abundantly within the district as most of these crops are highly perishable. Sangma also emphasised on how the farmers can double their income in doing so. Industrial Promotion officer of DCIC, Tura, Biondie Shira, who is also a specialist in food processing, was called in as the resource person for the programme. During the workshop, jackfruit jam making, pickle making, etc., was demonstrated to over 100 participants of the district.
BSF seizes 14 cattle
SHILLONG: The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed at Dawki BOP seized 13 cattle that were being smuggled during patrolling along the International Border under Dawki PS jurisdiction. During a similar incident that occurred on 14 May, the BSF personnel deployed at Naljuri BOP also seized cattle while patrolling along the International Border under Dawki PS jurisdiction. However, the unidentified culprits absconded taking advantage of the thick forest and the darkness.
RBYO opposes load-shedding
SHILLONG: The Ri Bhoi Youth Organisation (RBYO) central body has expressed concern on the 3-hour load-shedding that starts from 6 am in Ri-Bhoi areas. In a statement issued here, the organisation led by president Baiateilang Lapang and secretary Kronding Nongbsab, said the load shedding has affected many school-going students. The organisation urged the state government to take the matter seriously as it affects the daily lives of students.
Awareness drive on pest held
SHILLONG: The All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP) organised a one-day awareness programme on newly-recognised and highly-devastating pest Fall Army Worm on Thursday at Maize centre, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University (I), Umiam. The programme was held in collaboration with Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana, which was attended by 11 faculty members and 20 students of PhD and Post-Graduation level. Discussions were held on the development of effective and promising biological control techniques to control this pest. The registrar of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, M. Mamocha Singh and in-charge of the School of Crop Protection R Tombisana Devi co- chaired the awareness programme. Scientists from the IIMR, Delhi, SL Jat and Suby SB acted as resource persons. Suby detailed the importance of accurate diagnosis, timely-control and Integrated Pest Management for effective management of the insect. The group visited Farmers’ field in Bhoirymbong area of RiBhoi to survey and diagnose the occurrence and extent of Fall Army worm infestation.
Shangpliang bats for local herbs
SHILLONG: Congress spokesperson HM Shangpliang on Friday urged the state government to promote local medicinal herbs and to provide incentives to local traditional healers. Pointing out that the packaging of local herbs and medicines are not done properly as they come in liquor bottles, Shangpliang asked the government to look into the matter and come out with a solution to promote local medicines adding that herbal gardens should also be opened in the state. “We need to handhold them and give them the support,” Shangpliang said.