BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Sharad Pawar today advised the State Government to take steps to stop production of parboiled rice from next year as it is not beneficial to Orissa.

BHUBANESWAR: A clonal multiplication garden of

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar addressing the inaugural session of National Consultation of State Fisheries Ministers in Bhubaneswar on Satur
BHUBANESWAR: Like plants moving to higher altitudes to evade effects of global warming, certain fish species, which were recorded only in Kerala too have moved northwards.

The species were recently found in West Bengal.

THE rains were late this year and yet we find old trees that are a matured eco-system, being cut for urban needs. Before it is too late, we need to plant as many of these rain inducers as possible and continue taking care of them so they grow well for damage control. At least the capital city is already being groomed to witness and utilise opportunities to own trees and plants all around.

BHUBANESWAR: Mission Shakti is all set to launch a plantation drive in individual households in partnership with the Horticulture Department from July.

It has been planned to raise specifically drumstick, papaya and lemon plants through members of the women self-help groups. The three plant varieties are chosen for the high nutritional value of their fruits.

BHUBANESWAR: In tune with a subtle shift in the policy of the State Government to give emphasis on agriculture and rural development, the allocation under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) has been raised to Rs 1,153 crore for 2009-10 from Rs 800 crore in the previous year.

BHUBANESWAR: With monsoon playing truant and hot dry winds from the desert plains fuelling the summer heat, Bhubaneswar turned into a burning cauldron on Monday recording 44.6 degrees Celsius, highest for the season and 10 degrees above normal. Such was the condition that denizens complained of burning sensation during the peak hours. Only a day before, Bhubaneswar recorded 43 degrees Celsius.

BHUBANESWAR: The positive deviance approach (PDA) introduced in early childhood care through integrated child development scheme (ICDS) has started showing results.

The National Family Health Survey-III indicates that the level of malnutrition among children under three years has declined from 50 to 40 per cent.

CUTTACK: Solid waste management, one of the major civic problems of the millennium city, seems set for a huge boost with plans mooted for setting up a common facility for proper handling and treatment of the waste generated in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.