Press Release December 1

December 1, 2003

Press Release No. 652/03

REVIEW MEETING ON DEVELOPMENTAL SCHEMES HELD AT TURA

Shillong, December 1, 2003: A Review meeting in respect of both Plan and non-Plan schemes for the year 2003-2004 in West Garo Hills District was held under the Chairmanship of Meghalaya Minister for PWD etc. Dr Mukul Sangma, at Tura Circuit House, on November 28, 2003. The objective of holding the meeting was to oversee the progress of implementation of different development schemes and programmes in the District.

During the course of discussion and deliberation on different schemes and projects, Dr Sangma observed that certain Departments have submitted incomplete reports and placements of statements to which he advised that such lapses and over-lapses should be rectified and complete reports submitted to the District Planning officer.

In respect to developmental works, Dr Sangma was of the opinion that should be more coordination between Departments having alliance in certain subject matters. Citing a few examples, he said that if the Agriculture Department takes up certain schemes, then it should also have consultation with the industries Department and others if the farmers are to get full exploitation for starting agro-based industries. What ever schemes are taken up, the actual benefit should go to the masses, he added.

Stressing on the necessity of market availability, Dr Sangma said whenever agro-based, forest based and cash crop or horticultural schemes are taken up, it would be more effective if the farmers are given proper motivation and facilities to market the yields.

The meeting was in nature preliminary as a proper District Planning Development Council meeting would be organised early January next year. ADC and District Planning Officer i/c, Mrs. S N Marak, assisted the Minister in conducting the meeting.

Press Release No. 653/03

HELTONE STRESSES ON PROMOTING HORTICULTURAL CROPS

Shillong, December 1, 2003: The Meghalaya Minister of State for Horticulture, Power, etc Mr Heltone N Marak has said that it was necessary to promote horticulture and cash-crops farming to bring about economic development in Garo Hills. He was addressing the coffee growers as the chief guest at the 2^nd annual conference of the Garo Hills Districts Coffee Planters Association at Tura District Auditorium on November 29, 2003.

Mr Marak said that most of the cash-crops in Garo Hills like coffee, ginger, cashew, etc were of high value because they are grown without using any chemical fertilizers and the people all over the world are now switching over to organic foods. He encouraged the coffee growers to continue their plantation despite the problem they facing and informed that his department was planning to take a project fir extensive cultivation of horticultural crops and to encourage multiple-farming for bringing prosperity in the Garo Hills and the State as a whole. He also called on the growers to approach the Horticulture officers in their problems and also pledged his help and support to them whenever necessary.

Minister of State for C&RD Mr.Sengman R Marak ,who attended the meeting as the Chief Guest of Honour, said that there was a need to expose the good quality of Garo Hills coffee to the outside world so that the growers can boost the sale and export of their coffee. While sympathizing with the growers regarding their problems, the minister urged them not to be discouraged or give up coffee plantation as it is not only beneficial for the environment but it would also proved to be wealth for them and their children in the long run.

During conference the Association also submitted a memorandum to the chief guest seeking financial assistance from the State Government for electrification of their Head office and godown; construction of coffee drying yard and for arrangement of proper marketing channel. It also urged the government to take up Coffee Board of India for appointment of sufficient field staff in the Tura office and to select more beneficiaries, for giving subsidy, from the growers.

Press Release No.654/03

DEMONSTRATION OF IMPREGNATION OF COMMUNITY BEDNET

Shillong, December 1, 2003: Considering Malaria as a threat to the community and to reduce the sufferings and death from malaria, the Medical & Health Department under the Project of World Health Organisation (WHO) on "Impregnation of Community bednets with insecticides," in collaboration with the community based organisations has planned to impregnate the community bednets of Tura area with insecticides, according to an official communiqué issued by the Health Department.

In this connection, demonstration will be done in all areas by the health personnel where the public will be trained about the use of insecticides from December 1 to 20, 2003 while impregnation will be done from second week of January to second week of February, 2004.

Insecticides will be made available at a particular place in their respective areas. The insecticides at the rate of Rs. 12.50 for single bednet and Rs. 25.00 for double bednet will be made available to the consumers.