SHILLONG, July 16: Plantation and COVID-19 vaccination drives marked the 93rd Foundation Day of ICAR celebration, which was held in West Garo Hills and Ri Bhoi districts on Friday.
In Ri Bhoi, more than 750 saplings perennial ornamental plants of different species (Junipers, Ficus, Cammelia, Calliandra, Azellia etc.) were planted under the theme ‘Har Ped Par Med’ to utilise the space lying unused for clean and green environment. The saplings were planted in an around the campus of ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region campus and in the ICAR residential colony. The plantation drive was led by institute Director Dr VK Mishra along with the staff and children following COVID-19 protocols.
Families residing in the areas adjoining to the ICAR campus benefitted from the awareness campaign and random sampling-cum-vaccination drive held in collaboration with the Ri Bhoi Health department with more than 51 per cent people being tested for COVID and 80 per cent getting vaccinated.
Meanwhile, in West Garo Hills, the occasion was celebrated at KVK, ICAR, in the presence of Nanandro B Marak, Padma Shri awardee from West Garo Hills, who was the chief guest of the programme.
A total of 36 farmers from two different villages of the district participated in the programme.
In his address, Padma Shri Nanandro B Marak talked about his experiences and the constraints which he faced. He encouraged the participants to take keen interest in the field of agriculture and become self-sufficient. A plantation drive was also organised at KVK, Tura. A total of 30 saplings (12 litchi and 18 mango) were planted.
