KOLKATA : Poor crop productivity and low farm efficiency, owing to financial constraints and other reasons, is a major cause for low self-belief, and high prevalence of depression among the state's farmers. In a study conducted among farmers residing in Dumajoli village in Bhangar area of South 24-Parganas, it was found that more than 46 per cent of farmers lack self-efficacy, as they are not able to take up multiple cropping owing to financial constraints.

The Bengal government will look for a "consensus' with the new Opposition-led zilla parishads before going ahead with land acquisition for industry, the state industries minister today said. "There is a new leadership at the district level in East Midnapore and South 24-Parganas (thrown up by the panchayat polls). We will consult them for a consensus before going ahead with the new projects,' Nirupam Sen told reporters. "Meanwhile, we'll go ahead with the projects that already have consensus.'

JOYNAGAR (South 24-Parganas): Drinking water scarcity is still a major problem for the residents of 100-year-old Joynagar Mazilpur Municipality. Two reservoirs had been inaugurated in the municipality (consisting of 14 wards) from 1978-1980 but 10 years later, drinking water scarcity became an issue again. The lack of maintenance rendered the two reservoirs decrepit resulting in the disruption of water supply.

BARRACKPORE (North 24-Parganas), May 6: Residents of Harishpur village have been forced to earn their livelihood by begging as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) failed to improve their lives. Harishpur, which is under Mamudpur gram panchayat near Naihati is one of the most backward villages in North 24-Parganas. The village, which is largely inhabited by Adivasis (Tribals), has 300 families living there. Developmental activities have not been seen for these people who are struggling for their existence.

In the wake of the panchayat elections scheduled for next month, a visit to a village in South 24-Parganas will acquaint one with the picture of neglect. "If we boycott the vote, can we get electricity and a crematorium next year?' asked Mr Uttam Munda, who lives in Kumarpukur village under Kheyada I gram panchayat. Nearly 150 families have been living in the village without electricity for the last 20 years.

State fire and emergency services department will set up ten new fire station across the state in the current financial year. State fire minister, Mr Pratim Chatterjee, anno-unced this on the sidelines of a "Fire Services Week' programme at Gouri Bari Fire station.

bithari village, Swarupnagar block, North 24-Paraganas: the men of Uttarpara hamlet in Bithari are hiding out in the fields every night despite the winter chill in the air. Better brave the cold

l Trials will be conducted under the aegis of ICAR under different agro-climatic conditions. l Will address field-level integ

A proposal to treat waste in 380 Bangalore hospitals