AGARTALA

The ongoing comprehensive initiatives under the guidance of Bangladesh army have ushered in a fresh hope to eradicate the century-old seasonal Monga by making the distressed people economically self-reliant in greater Rangpur.

The initiatives include short-duration BRRI Dhan-33 variety T-Aman paddy farming, pisciculture in the canal of the Teesta Barrage Project (TBP), providing training and employment to the unemployed youths in the garments sector, tree plantation and dairy projects.

The tribals est the sleepy village of Kalyandi in Jharkhand depend on fish farming for living. However, till last year, the hectic activity would come to a grinding halt in May. The reason: non-availability of water in the ponds. This May, fish farming is on in full swing and the ponds are swarming with fish

If you thought utilising agricultural land - khazans - for fish farming is bad. Hold your breath... It may not be long before it is officially allowed. In order to facilitate the use of khazan land for pisciculture purpose, the Fisheries Department has recommended amendment to the Land Revenue Act. The State has about 18000 hectares of Khazan land but vast portion has been left unutilized, or fallow. The Department of Fisheries believes it can be utilised for pisciculture.