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LONGDING : The College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat, under the Central Agricultural University (CAU) on Tuesday organised an awareness programme on gerbera cultivation and distributed quality planting materials and inputs to farmers under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Floriculture at the ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longding. Conducted under the North Eastern Hill (NEH) component, the programme aimed to promote commercial floriculture and enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers, particularly women and rural youth, through scientific flower cultivation. A large number of farmers from different villages of Longding district participated in the programme, which focused on the cultivation potential of gerbera, a commercially important cut flower known for its high market demand and profitability under protected cultivation. Leading the programme, AICRP on Floriculture Principal Investigator and CHF Pasighat Professor Sunil Kumar delivered a keynote lecture on the status and future prospects of floriculture in the Northeast. He highlighted gerbera cultivation as an emerging enterprise capable of generating sustainable income and elaborated on scientific production practices, including greenhouse cultivation, planting techniques, nutrient management, irrigation, pest and disease control, harvesting, grading, packaging and marketing. Kumar encouraged farmers to adopt modern floriculture technologies and avail themselves of government-supported programmes for establishing viable flower production units. He also interacted with participants and addressed practical challenges related to floriculture. Welcoming the guests and farmers, ICAR-KVK Longding Senior Scientist-cum-Head Dr Utpal Kumar Bhattacharya underscored the importance of crop diversification and said floriculture has significant potential to become an integral component of farming systems in Longding district. He highlighted its role in income generation, employment creation, women’s empowerment and rural entrepreneurship. The programme was attended by Subject Matter Specialists Vikas (Horticulture), Dr Amit Kumar (Land and Water Management Engineering) and Dr Deep Narayan Mishra (Plant Protection), who provided technical guidance on improved cultivation and crop management practices. As part of the initiative, quality planting materials and essential cultivation inputs were distributed among selected beneficiary farmers to facilitate the adoption of gerbera cultivation and establish demonstration units in their villages. An interactive session was also held during which farmers shared their experiences and challenges related to horticultural farming. Experts responded to their queries and offered recommendations suited to local agro-climatic conditions.    

BOMDILA : A meeting of the Market Monitoring Committee (MMC)-cum-Rate Advisory Board (RAB) was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Bomdila Additional Deputy Commissioner Ashok Tajo. Addressing the meeting, the Additional Deputy Commissioner highlighted the challenges faced by consumers due to fluctuations in the prices of essential commodities and stressed the need for a balanced pricing mechanism that safeguards the interests of both consumers and traders. He urged stakeholders to take into account prevailing wholesale market rates, particularly those in Tezpur, while finalising rates for Bomdila township. Earlier, District Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Officer-cum-Member Secretary of the MMC-RAB Atan Ering welcomed the participants and briefed them on the objectives of the meeting. He also presented a comparative analysis of prevailing commodity prices in Bomdila and Tezpur through a PowerPoint presentation. During the deliberations, representatives of grocery retailers, meat and fish dealers, vegetable vendors and other stakeholders placed their views and concerns before the committee. Members discussed measures to ensure fair pricing while protecting the interests of producers, traders and consumers. Following a detailed review of market prices, the committee finalised and approved revised rates for various commodities in Bomdila township. The committee also resolved that the sale of meat, fish and other commodities outside designated market areas would not be permitted. Stakeholders were advised to report violations to the Trade Development Officer for necessary action. In addition, all shopkeepers and vendors were directed to prominently display approved commodity rates. The committee warned that strict action would be taken against defaulters. Vendors were also instructed to maintain cleanliness in and around their establishments in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules. Among those present were Trade Development Officer Mekory Dodum, Assistant Controller of Legal Metrology Kesang Tashi, Agriculture Development Officer Urgen Norbu Komu, Horticulture Development Officer Shiyam Gopal, Bomdila Bazar Committee Secretary Lobsang Jamba, representatives of market associations, vendors and other stakeholders. (DIPR)        

LUMLA : The Arunachal Pradesh Khadi and Village Industries Board (APKVIB) organised a Gramin Udyog and Entrepreneurship Development Workshop at Lumla on Tuesday to promote rural entrepreneurship, self-employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities through micro and small enterprises. The workshop brought together artisans, farmers, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, unemployed youth and aspiring entrepreneurs from different parts of the subdivision. Resource persons from the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and APKVIB highlighted the potential of village-based industries in Tawang district. Addressing the gathering, Lumla MLA and Advisor for Planning and Women & Child Development Tsering Lhamu emphasised the role of entrepreneurship in generating employment and strengthening the rural economy. She encouraged youth to become job creators and take advantage of various schemes and support mechanisms offered by government agencies. She also stressed the importance of value addition, innovation and market linkages to enhance the income potential of local products. APKVIB Chairman Adv Maling Gombu highlighted the board’s efforts to connect artisans, entrepreneurs and farmer groups with government programmes aimed at promoting rural industries, including those in the agriculture and allied sectors. He urged participants to register with APKVIB to avail institutional support, capacity building and handholding services for enterprise development. During the technical sessions, MSME Itanagar Director (I/c) Dr Satish Kumar presented various schemes and programmes for the promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises. Participants were sensitised on entrepreneurship development, business planning, financial assistance, skill development and digital marketing opportunities. NERAMAC Business Development Officer Md Abdul Rakib provided an overview of market linkage initiatives and buyback schemes available for agriculture and allied sector products in Arunachal Pradesh. He highlighted the potential of the Lumla area for high-value agricultural enterprises and value-added products. Participants also raised concerns regarding market opportunities for crops and products such as amla, lemongrass and medicinal plants, while seeking greater support and handholding from both state and central government agencies. More than 200 participants attended the programme and interacted with experts on opportunities for establishing village-based enterprises. The workshop concluded with a call for collective efforts to transform rural areas into centres of entrepreneurship and self-reliance in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat. APKVIB Development Officer Ralong Singhi reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting rural entrepreneurs through training, technology support, capacity building and market facilitation to create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the state. (DIPR)        

  TAWANG : The second District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) meeting for the 2026–27 financial year was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo. The meeting was attended by Lungla Additional Deputy Commissioner Tashi Dhondup, Jang Assistant Commissioner Dr Honjon Perme, Assistant Commissioner-cum-Deputy Director of Rural Development Tenzin Jambey, district heads of offices and NABARD District Development Manager Keertika Kashyap. Welcoming the participants, Assistant Commissioner-cum-District Planning Officer Nawang Thutan briefed the members on the agenda of the meeting. Reviewing the status of developmental projects across the district, the DC stressed the importance of accurate, transparent and timely reporting. She directed all executing departments to include the latest geo-tagged photographs of ongoing works in their monthly progress reports and submit before-and-after photographs of completed projects to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation. While acknowledging the challenges involved in executing projects within limited timeframes, Angmo emphasised the need for visible and measurable monthly progress. She urged departments to maintain accountability, ensure quality implementation and regularly update project status reports to support informed decision-making. The review began with a presentation by the Public Works Department, Lungla, followed by detailed presentations from various departments on the physical and financial progress of projects and schemes under their respective jurisdictions. The committee reviewed the implementation status of developmental projects and government schemes across the district and discussed measures to expedite their timely completion. Emphasis was laid on strengthening inter-departmental coordination, project monitoring and outcome-oriented execution to ensure that development initiatives deliver tangible benefits at the grassroots level. The meeting concluded with departments reaffirming their commitment to improving implementation mechanisms and achieving the district’s developmental targets in a timely and efficient manner. (DIPR)

ITANAGAR : Two persons were arrested with heroin worth over Rs 2 lakh in Arunachal Pradesh’s Capital Region, police said on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off about heroin being transported from Banderdewa, a team of the Nirjuli police station intercepted an Assam-registered scooter near Lekhi village after a brief chase on Monday. A total of 22.6 grams of suspected heroin, packed in 17 plastic vials, was seized from one of the accused, Superintendent of Police Nyelam Nega said. The arrested persons were identified as Munmun Morang (32) of Lakhimpur district and Bikram Doley (30) of Majuli district in Assam. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and an investigation is underway to trace the source, destination and network involved in the alleged trafficking, police said. (PTI)

ITANAGAR : The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has recommended urgent improvement of road connectivity and implementation of flood-control measures in Chakma and Hajong refugee settlement areas of Changlang district. The state rights panel, in a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday, stated that such interventions are necessary to ensure that the communities remain within their designated settlement zones while safeguarding the demographic interests of the state’s indigenous tribes. APSHRC Acting Chairperson Bamang Tago in the letter, highlighted the findings of a field visit to Chakma and Hajong settlements in Diyun and Bordumsa circles of the district on June 12 and 13. The Commission identified poor road infrastructure and recurring floods caused by the Dihing River as the two major challenges requiring immediate government attention. It observed that despite the growing economic importance of the region, road connectivity in the settlement areas remains inadequate. The Commission said that the nearly 33-km stretch between Namsai and Diyun takes more than an hour to cover due to poor road conditions, affecting trade, movement and overall development in the area. According to the state rights panel, improved roads would not only boost economic activities in Changlang and Namsai districts but also strengthen strategic and security preparedness, considering the presence of the headquarters of the 2nd Arunachal Pradesh India Reserve Battalion at Diyun. Better connectivity would facilitate quicker movement of security personnel during emergencies and law-and-order situations, the letter said. The Commission also pointed to the region’s thriving areca nut economy, noting claims that Diyun Circle alone accounts for an annual trade of around Rs 50 crore. It said enhanced infrastructure could further expand economic opportunities for all communities living in the area. Expressing concern over recurring floods, the APSHRC said annual inundation and erosion caused by the Dihing River continue to damage agricultural land and crops in Chakma and Hajong settlement areas. The Commission observed that such displacement has historically created pressure for expansion beyond existing settlement zones. It maintained that effective flood-control measures in Changlang and Namsai districts, particularly in Chakma and Hajong settlements, would help ensure that the refugee communities continue to reside within their notified areas. Preventing displacement due to floods, it added, would also address the long-standing concerns of indigenous communities regarding the spread of Chakma and Hajong populations into other parts of the state. Among its recommendations, the Commission urged the state government to expedite ongoing road projects connecting Namsai-Diyun and Diyun-Miao, ensure comprehensive PMGSY coverage in settlement areas of Diyun and Bordumsa circles, and consider including these routes under the proposed East-West Industrial Corridor for double-lane road development. The APSHRC further recommended that flood-control works be undertaken in the settlement areas with support, if required, from the North Eastern Council and the Centre to ensure that affected populations can continue living within their designated settlement zones. The recommendations came at a time when issues relating to demographic protection, indigenous rights and settlement regulation continued to be a matter of debate in Arunachal Pradesh. The Commission said a balanced approach is needed to address humanitarian concerns and developmental needs while protecting the demographic and cultural interests of the indigenous communities of the state. (Source: PTI)    

ITANAGAR : Naharlagun Police have arrested the prime accused in a Rs 34.33 crore alleged investment fraud case involving forged government documents, impersonation and false claims of high-level political and bureaucratic connections, police said on Monday. The accused, identified as 41-year-old Rishiraj Borkotoky of Guwahati in Assam, was arrested on June 20, while police also seized five mobile phones and a luxury vehicle worth around Rs 1.5 crore during the operation. Naharlagun Superintendent of Police (SP) Dr Nyelam Nega said the case was registered at Banderdewa Police Station following a complaint lodged by Rajesh Agarwal. A case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, was registered on June 5 and entrusted to sub-inspector Koj Tada for investigation, the SP told a press conference on Monday. The complaint alleged that the accused persuaded the investor to put money into a proposed extra neutral alcohol (ENA) manufacturing project in Assam. The SP said the accused projected himself as a financially influential businessman with strong connections in government and political circles. “To gain the complainant’s trust, he allegedly produced forged documents purportedly issued by the revenue department under the Union Finance ministry and the office of the Cabinet Secretary,” Dr Nega said. He added that the accused allegedly operated a fake WhatsApp account displaying the profile picture of the Chief Minister of Assam and shared photographs suggesting close proximity to prominent political personalities. “Police are also verifying the authenticity of an alleged voice call made from the account,” the official added. Believing these claims to be genuine, the complainant allegedly transferred a total of over Rs 34,33 crore over a period beginning in 2022. Following technical and conventional intelligence inputs, the accused was apprehended in Guwahati and later produced before the JMFC court at Yupia here, which remanded him to 10 days of police custody for further interrogation. Dr Nega said scrutiny of bank transactions, KYC records, electronic communications, screenshots and suspected forged documents has so far corroborated significant portions of the complaint. “The investigation has also indicated that the alleged proceeds of the crime were routed through accounts linked to associates, family members and business entities, whose roles are now under examination,” the SP said. The seized electronic devices have been sent for forensic examination, while verification of the purported government documents is underway, Dr Nega said, adding that investigators are also examining whether the alleged voice attributed to the Assam chief minister was generated using artificial intelligence or created through voice impersonation techniques. He said efforts are continuing to trace the complete money trail, identify all beneficiaries and co-conspirators, recover the proceeds of the crime and establish the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, Dr Nega advised citizens to verify all claims of government approvals or official patronage through concerned authorities and avoid relying solely on social media or digital communications. He also urged people to immediately report suspicious investment proposals or fraudulent activities to the nearest police station. (Source: PTI)