Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 731/06

INDIRA GANDHI PRIZE 2006

The Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District, Shillong has informed that the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, New Delhi has invited nominations for the Indira Gandhi Prize 2006. The Prize has been instituted since 1985 by India to recognize and support outstanding contributions to Peace, Disarmament and Development. Nominations are to reach on or before 30th September, 2006.

Press Release No. 732/06

ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR FARMERS

A one day long orientation programme for farmers was held at Rangasora village, South Garo Hills, Baghmara on 21st September 2006. The programme was organized by the Rangasora Farmers’ Club in collaboration with NABARD and different Government Departments viz. Agriculture, Veterinary, NIC and Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Banks (MCAB).

The Extension Officer (EO), Agriculture, Rongasora Block trained the farmers on how to utilize fertilizers properly, while the EO, Agriculture, Baghmara Block spoke at length on the proper use of pesticides.

Dr. M B Sangma, A H & Veterinary Mobile Dispensary gave awareness on preventing various diseases of domestic animals and also spoke on the schemes being offered by the Department and Mr. S K Das Manager, NABARD, Tura stressed the importance of modern technology in agriculture and of loans being offered by the bank.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Mr. D D Chowdhury, General Manager, MCAB, Mr. E D Sangma, secretary of the Club, Mr. S K Marak, Branch Manager, MCAB and Mr. C D Sangma, president of the Club.

Press Release No. 733/06

PINEAPPLE FESTIVAL

To mark the occasion of World Tourism day, Meghalaya Chief Secretary. Mr. S.K. Tiwari, today inaugurated a Pineapple Festival, organized by Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition (IHMCTAN) at the institute’s premises at Bishop Cotton Road, Shillong. Also present on the occasion were Commissioner and Secretary of Tourism, Mr. P. W. Ingty, Director of Tourism, Mr. T. Dkhar, faculty and students of the Institute as well as students from IHMCTAN of Gangtok and Guwahati.

Speaking on the occasion. Mr. Tiwari said that an important dimension of boosting tourism in the State is to ensure that the cuisine offered to tourists is of a high quality. As pineapples are abundantly found in different districts of the State, Mr. Tiwari urged upon the Institute to come up with innovative dishes using pineapples, which could be offered in menus of hotels around the State. Adding that the Institute equippes students with skills, he called upon students to take up entrepreneurial activities for self sufficiency. Mr. Tiwari also stressed on the positive attributes of community based tourism and suggested that students as well as the Institute should come up with innovative initiatives in this field.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary gave away mementoes to the visiting students from Gangtok and Guwahati. An exhibit of pineapple based foods was also on the display on the occasion.