The transit project, spanning 882.21 km, was launched in April, 2008 by the erstwhile Congress-led UPA government as part of the ‘Look East’ (now Act East) policy.
The route, which was initially scheduled to be completed by 2014, will bring the NE region closer to Kolkata by half the existing distance. Of the 87.51 km stretch of
Black rice cultivation brings hope to Assams tribal farmers
Blackricevarieties brought from Manipur and Odisha toAssamhave infused new hope among tribal farmers in Goalpara district of Assam.
Veteran farmerUpendra Rabhafrom Goalpara, known for popularizing the black rice variety in lower Assam has been roped in by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) to promote the premium varieties of black rice that have the potential to give international market linkage to the farmers of Assam. Ravaged by elephants every year, the black rice varieties have been planted under the -supported Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART), implemented by the state agricultural department. This aims to give relief to the farmers with high returns even from lesser yield.
Branded under the name,Upendra RiceI, the variety has already been supplied to the markets of Odisha, Punjab, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Rabha received one kg black rice seed sample from a Rajasthan agricultural fair through
theKrishi Vigyan Kendra, Goalpara, several years back but only one seed germinated. He did not lose hope. From one seed, the variety later became the popular Upendra Rice I and it has spread to several districts of Assam, Rabha said. This year, he claimed Upendra Rice II and III, evolved from Upendra Rice I, have been distributed to local farmers.The seeds were sown on a total area of 17.6 bighas of land comprising Manipuri black rice on 10 bigha, Kalavati on 3.6 bigha and Kalamalifula on 4.0 bigha. The crop is expected to be harvested in the next one week.
Odisha electronics policy granted cabinet approval
The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the maidenOdisha Electronics Policy2021 to promote the development of the electronics and electronics manufacturing sector.
The policy has been conceptualised to positionOdishaas an attractive destination for the electronics by providing a congenial, industry-friendly and proactive industrial Climate with class-leading Infrastructure, supporting facilities and policy initiatives, said state electronics and IT secretary Manoj Mishra.
The policy aims to promote innovation in the electronics sector and augment availability of skilled manpower with focus on fostering a culture of research, innovation and Entrepreneurship by building an ecosystem of interlinked academia, industry and professional leaders and to ensure Growth of Micro, Small and Medium enterprises, said Mishra.
The policy also offers incentives in other areas like power, land, assistance to Women entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities and incentives for local enterprises. Others benefits assured by
the policy include green and self-power generating incentive and reimbursement of state GST.The 20th edition of Connect 2021 In Chennai
In Chennai, the Confederation of Indian (CII) will host the 20th edition of ‘Connect 2021.’
Highlights:
The Confederation of Subscribe on YouTube
Connect is an international information and Communication technology conference and expo (ICT).
“Building a Sustainable Deep T’ech’N’ology Ecosystem” is the theme of the conference.
The goal of ‘Connect 2021’ is to increase the state’s GDP to $1 billion by 2030.