Features.........

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

J & K                                                                                                                                                                                                      FEATURE

The Kashmir Hangul needs to be preserved

Ashok Handoo**

 

The recently concluded International Conference held in Srinagar on Kashmir Hangul, the only surviving species of the Red Deer family,  in Kashmir, expressed serious concern over the fast dwindling number of this rare variety. Considering the seriousness of the issue, the concern is well placed and needs to be addressed. 

A look at the figures gives an Idea of the magnitude. Forget about the times when the number of Hangul in Kashmir was stated to be in thousands.  Just at the beginning of the 20th century, their number was 5,000. By the time militancy broke out in the state in late 80's, it had come down to 900. Last year it touched a low of 117 to 180, according to a census. But, since then it has risen to about 230, thanks to some renewed conservation efforts. With the help of WWF,  'Project Hangul' was started in Kashmir in the 70's which resulted in the number of Hangul going up to 340 by the eighties. But that was short lived. The latest census of 2008 puts the figure at 150 to 160.

Kashmir Hangul is one of the proud possessions of Kashmir. It is also the state animal of Kashmir. Its extinction will surely be a matter of concern. The wake up call by the conservationists and environmentalists, to all the stake holders, is something that can be ignored only at great risk.

"We will not let the Hangul go extinct". That is how the J&K Chief Minister Shri Omar Obdullah expressed his determination to save the rare animal. The State Governor Shri N.N.Vohra, too, was emphatic in his remarks even as he blamed human biotic interference for the fast depleting number of the species.

It is not the Hangul alone that is meeting this fate. Markhur, Himalayan Bear and the Musk deer, too, are becoming  endangered species due to melting glaciers, depleting forest cover and water bodies. And as Mr. Vohra pointed out, if this trend is not reversed the very survival of mankind could be in danger.

Experts blame extensive human encroachment as a major cause for extinction of wild life. Poaching, indeed, leads the list. Poachers do so to make a quick money as the skin and magnificent antlers of Hangul fetch them a very high price Internationally. In  case of tigers and leopards poachers look for their medicinal values. The tiger, too, is thus disappearing fast despite the 'Project Tiger' launched by the Government  long ago. The latest tiger census counted just 1,411 big cats, down from 3,642 in 2002 and around 40,000 a century ago.

The Dachigam sanctuary on the outskirts of Srinagar, spread over an area of 140 sq. km., which is home to the Kashmir Hangul, came under the sway of the Militants. They killed the animal for its meat as well. For well over a decade, the area was out of bounds for even the security forces. Besides Dachigam, Kashmir Hangul is also seen in Wadwan valley, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Tilel regions of the State. The male deer has impressive antlers whereas the female has no antlers. Hangul has a red brownish coat and that is why it is also called red deer. The colour, however, changes with every season and age. The male Hangul has long hair along its neck while the female has none.

Destruction of natural habitats, overgrazing by domestic live stock and deforestation are other forms of human interference that has led to this tragic situation. Forests are disappearing as trees are felled illegally for both firewood and timber, most of which is smuggled. This paves the way for the grazing areas extending deep into the jungles leading to destruction of the natural habitats.

The State Government, too, charged with having neglected the environment and wildlife in the state and ignoring the need for protecting the rare species. Surely, the State Government, too, has a responsibility to protect the animal from becoming extinct.

Critical environmental issues like ozone depletion, global warming and climate change are also responsible for the present situation. This explains the need for swift and long term action in dealing with global warming which the world is facing now.

There is, however, some hope for the future. The latest census has shown improvement in the female-fawn ratio which indicates a possibility of a sustained growth in the future. Apart from that, there is also a need for effective implementation of conservation plans. Along with punitive measures against those who violate laws, the people need to be sensitized by launching massive awareness campaigns. All the stakeholders need to come together to preserve, conserve and sustain environment, ecology, fauna and flora of the state. The joint effort will surely go a long way in helping in protecting  the world famous Hangul in the State.

*Freelance Writer

Disclaimer :  The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB

rts/vn/ss-122/sf-122/29.10.2009/dk/kol/13:26 hrs.

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

AGRICULTURE                                                                                                                                                                                                   FEATURE

Sustainable agricultural initiatives of the Government

 

This year's insufficient Monsoon has forced people to pay more attention to agriculture and food security, but these have already been a very high priority for the Government. While the focus presently is on saving the standing crops and trying to maximize the production of winter crops, long-term strategies remain very important. These strategies have been evolved after a great deal of discussions, consultations and planning over the last five years and are aimed at giving a strong base to Indian agriculture.

The Government has launched several major schemes who will have long-term impact. These schemes are bringing in more investment, giving more incentives to States to give agriculture a high priority in their budget, bridging the yield gap in major food crops, promoting use of new farming technologies, improving soil health, giving a fillip to farming activities other than foodgrain production.

 

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

To provide benefits to the farmer community, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) during the Financial Year 2007-08 to encourage the States to invest more towards agriculture and allied sectors so as to achieve 4% annual growth. This would help in increasing the production and productivity. The Ministry has envisaged an outlay of Rs.25,000/- crore for the 11th Five Year Plan.

The scheme requires the States to prepare District and State Agriculture Plans for creation of such infrastructure, which are essential to catalyse the existing production scenario for achieving higher production.  The scheme provides adequate flexibility and autonomy to the State Governments in selection, planning and implementation of project under this new flagship scheme.  The scheme provides funds to the States as 100% grants.  Some of the major activities for which the scheme is available are integrated development of food crops, agriculture mechanization, soil health and productivity, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairying & Fisheries and development of market infrastructure. 

The new initiative has elicited an enthusiastic response from the States.  Many States have prepared their District Agricultural Plan and others are in the process of preparing the same.  Funds to the tune of Rs. 4133.69 crore have been released to the States/UTs during 2007-08 & 2008-09 under the Scheme.  The States have taken up projects relating to minor/micro irrigation, watersheds, strengthening of seed farms, horticulture, setting up of soil/seed/fertilizer testing laboratories, farm mechanization, animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries.  Under the scheme an amount of Rs. 4100.00 crore is expected to be released to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations during 2009-10.

 

National Food Security Mission.

Understanding the importance of food security, the National Development Council in its 53rd meeting held on 29th May, 2007 adopted a resolution to launch Food Security Mission comprising of rice, wheat and pulses to increase the production of rice by 10 million tons, wheat by 8 million tons and pulses by 2 million tons by the end of Eleventh Plan. Accordingly National Food Security Mission has been launched since Rabi 2007 with a financial outlay of Rs. 4882 crore (Eleventh plan period).   NFSM is under implementation in 312 districts of 17 states viz NFSM-Rice in 136 districts of 14 states; NFSM-Wheat in 141 districts of 9 states and NFSM-Pulses in 171 districts of 14 states. It covers about 13 million hectares of wheat, 20 million hectares of rice and 85% of  pulses areas. Mission equips the farmers with improved technologies i.e., seed, micronutrients, soil amendments, farm machinery, Integrated Pest Management and resource conservation technologies, demonstrations and training of farmers on the pattern of farmers' field school along with effective monitoring and better project  management.

 

Some of the major achievements with this scheme have been-:

 

·          2.35 lakh demonstrations of improved varieties of rice and wheat, SRI of rice and hybrid rice conducted.

 

·          47.83 lakh quintals of high yielding variety/hybrid seed of rice, wheat and pulses distributed.

 

·          Nearly 12.0 lakh hectares of area treated with soil ameliorants (gypsum/lime/micronutrients) to restore soil fertility.

 

·          Nearly 9.7 lakh  hactares of farm land treated under Integrated Pest Management.

 

·          Nearly 4.3 lakh farm implements distributed.

 

·          Capacity building of  farmers through 14535 Farmers Field Schools. 

 

·          55,000 farmers have benefited through resource conservation technologies.

 

·          Production of 77.63 million tonnes of wheat; nearly 1.82 tonnes more than 2006-07.

 

·          Production of 99.37 million tonnes of rice during 2008-09 (3rd advance estimates); nearly 2.7 million tonnes more than 2007-08.

 

·          Pulses'  productivity increased over 2007-08 in NFSM districts: TN 19.%; Rajasthan 100%; Punjab 18%; Haryana 66%; Andhra Pradesh 20%.

 

·          Pulses'  productivity increased over 2006-07 in NFSM districts: Rajasthan 65%; Punjab 3%; Haryana 0.25% ; Andhra Pradesh 30%.

 

National Horticulture Mission

To promote holistic growth of the horticulture sector through area based regionally differentiated strategies, the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)  was launched in the country, during the Xth Plan with effect from 2005-06. NHM ensures development of horticulture sector duly ensuring horizontal and vertical linkages, with the active participation of all the stake-holders. Under the Mission, 352 districts in all the States and two Union Territories (Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep) are covered  except eight North Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which are covered under the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern States (TMNE).

The scheme has enhanced horticulture production, improved nutritional security and income support to farm households and others; has established convergence and synergy among multiple on-going and planned programmes for horticulture development. The scheme has also helped in generating employment for skilled and unskilled persons, especially unemployed youth. The mission envisages an end-to-end approach covering production, post harvest management, processing and marketing to assure appropriate returns to growers/producers and to double horticulture production by 2011-12 with a production of 300 million tonnes through a targeted achievement of 6% growth in horticulture.

An amount of Rs. 3503.11 crore has been released for implementation of the Scheme since its inception till date, against the allocation of Rs. 3880.00 crore.  An outlay of Rs. 1100 crore is earmarked for implementation of the scheme during 2009-10. The salient achievements under the Mission are coverage of an additional area of  12.54 lakh hactares of identified horticulture crops in 87 crop clusters, besides rejuvenation of 2.06 lakh hactares of senile plantations, establishment of 1935 nurseries for production of quality planting materials, adoption of organic farming in an area of 1.11 lakh hectares besides establishment of 66,019 units of vermi-compost units for promotion of organic farming in horticulture, adoption of IPM practices in an area of 5.73 lakh hactares besides establishment of 294 IPM/INM infrastructure facilities such as Bio-control labs, plant health clinics, leaf tissue analysis labs, disease forecasting units, creation of 13,091 community water tanks. Training of 4.24 lakh farmers within the concerned States and 57,000 farmers outside their States through exposure visits and training for enhancing capacity building on horticulture. Assistance has also been provided for establishment of 1109 pack houses, 109 cold storages, 23 refer vans besides creation of 35 whole-sale markets, 174 rural markets, to help in proper handling and marketing of horticulture produce.

The impact of Mission has been from the positive trend in increasing area under fruits to 4.964 million hactares with a production of 45.29 million tonnes, while the area under vegetables is 6.756 million hactares with a production of 101.43 million tonnes. India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world next to China. The horticulture sector contributes  around 28.5% of agriculture.

 

Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms 

The scheme was launched in May, 2005 with an objective to support State Governments efforts to revitalize  their extension system. The scheme promotes a decentralized farmer-driven and farmer-accountable extension system through a new institutional arrangement for technology dissemination in the form of an Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at district level.  The funding support to the States is provided on the basis of State Extension Work Plans (SEWPs), which are prepared through a bottom up planning process starting at the block level and consistent with training and extension needs emerging from Strategic Research Extension Plans (SREPs).  

The Cafeteria of activities include upgradation of State Level Extension Training Institutions, HRD of extension functionaries, agricultural exhibitions/melas, agricultural fairs, field days, 'kisan goshthies', mobilization of farmers groups, training/exposure visits, field demonstrations, information and dissemination through print and electronic media, setting up of 'Farm Schools', Farmer-Scientist Interactions, assessment, refinement, validations and adoption of frontline technologies, extension activities through agri-entrepreneurs and PG Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management, setting up of community radio stations, rewards and incentives.

The coverage under the scheme has been progressively increasing – today ATMAs have been established in 586 districts of 29 States and 2 UTs.  Total of 7978 Farm Schools have so far been set up under this Scheme.  Over 91 lakh farmers including 17.97 lakh women farmers have been benefited under the programme. A sum of Rs. 440.99 crore have been released to the States/ UTs under this Scheme in the last four years.

Changing agriculture in a way that makes it more sustainable is a big challenge. To create a flourishing sustainable agricultural system that meets the country's needs and those of future generations, the Ministry is working towards evolving innovative government policies that are grounded in both the science and economics of agriculture; research to develop new technologies, as well as extension services to update farmers about new developments that could help them through transition to sustainable agriculture.

 

*Inputs from the Ministry of Agriculture

 

rts/vn/ss-121/sf-121/26.10.2009/dk/kol/13:28 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

HEALTH  

From Darkness to Light: National Programme for Control of Blindness*

O loss of sight, of thee I most complain!....

-John Milton

 

Milton was expressing a primal sentiment as ability to see is critical for realization of human potential. This sentiment is shared by at least 12 million people in India who fall in the category of blind (visual acuity less than 6/60). In many cases this fate is totally avoidable or can be corrected by simple interventions. For example, in the year 2008-09, the country performed nearly 5.8 million cataract surgeries with 94% inter-ocular lens (IOL) implantation. In layman terms this means blindness was either prevented or corrected in 5.4 million people in one year. This was one of the activities of National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) which has made a commendable progress in terms of Cataract Surgical Rate and the momentum thus generated would continue in future also.

 

The Programme

National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) is now more than thirty years old, launched  in 1976 as 100% centrally sponsored scheme has the professed goal of reducing blindness prevalence to 0.3% by the year 2020. Blindness prevalence stood at 1% in 2006-07, down from 1.1% in the year 2001-02.  Refractive errors are other important cause of vision impairment and are being addressed effectively through institutional and outreach activities.  School Eye Screening is an important strategy wherein eyes of children studying in schools are screened for vision impairment  and glasses distributed free of cost to students from poor socio-economic strata.  Corneal blindness is being addressed through eye banking activities and a new thrust has been given for eye donation and corneal transplantation.

With the approval of Rs 1250 crores and implementation of Eleventh Plan (2007-12) the programme has taken a lead in addressing other issues of blindness in a comprehensive manner.  These include Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, Childhood blindness, Low Vision and ocular injuries in a mission mode through successful Public Private Partnership.  The endeavor of the programme is to eliminate all causes of avoidable blindness and to reach a sustainable level where-in all people have access to level appropriate eye care service.  Tele-ophthalmology a new  information technology tool has been introduced under the programme for reaching the undeserved population in rural & tribal areas.  The  results are very encouraging and being scaled up in a phase manner.

 

NRHM Push

The programme has been fully integrated under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) to enhance the reach and coverage including utilization of services of community link worker like Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) and Anganwadi workers. State Blindness Control Societies and District Blindness Control Societies have been merged State Health Societies  and District State Societies formed under the NRHM umbrella. Under NRHM facility for IOL implantation are to expanded to at least Taluka level.

Other new initiatives include funding for construction of eye wards and dedicate eye OT especially in North East State and Hilly/underdeveloped States and appointment of eye surgeons, eye donation counselors and Para-Medical Ophthalmic Assistant (PMOA) especially for the new or district where there are none.  The recurring expenditure of such workforce will be borne by Government of India till the term of eleventh plan period and thereafter it would be taken up by respective State/UTs.  Funding for provision of latest equipment and instruments for establishing & strengthening eye care services in government institutions i.e. vision centre at Primary Health Centre (PHC), Community Health Centre (CHC) through district hospital and medical colleges are being developed into centre of excellence for providing pediatric ophthalmology retina units/low vision units.

Non-governmental sector providing free services to needy population are being supported through recurring and non-recurring grant as per the approved schemes.  Capacity building of health personnel is another important strategy for improving their skills and updating them on issues relevant to the programme for delivery of eye care services.  The Government coordinates the in-service training of eye surgeons working in public sector and provides funding to States/UTs for other health care staff including medical officers, paramedical and community link workers.  Advocacy and social mobilization including Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities have made a impetus in improving community awareness.

 

Encouraging Response

Funds utilization is an indicator for planned activities being under taken and during last five years utilization has been to the tune of nearly 100% of the allocation.  National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), through State/UTs and all other stakeholders and partners are consistently moving forward in advancement of comprehensive eye care services and hopefully would be able to bring the level of blindness in the country from current status of 1.0% to 0.3% by the year 2020.

 

*Based on Material from Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

 

rts/vn/ss-120/sf-120/22.10.2009/dk/kol/13:29 hrs.

 

Press Information Bureau

Government of India

* * * * * *

FEATURE

HEALTH Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day October 21

Iodine – Essential for Health

 

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) continue to pose a serious threat to the health, well being, economic productivity and advancement of several hundred million people worldwide. People living in iodine deficient environment suffer from reduced mental and physical abilities, cretinism, deaf-mutism, squint, still-birth, abortion, goitre of all ages, neuro-motor defects, etc. Even when born normal, young children whose diets are low in iodine have their lives trapped in mental dullness and apathy. IDD preys upon poor, pregnant women and preschool children, posing serious public health problems in more than hundred developing countries. Iodine deficiency was once considered a minor problem, causing goiter, it is now known that it affects developing brain much deadlier and thereby, constituting a threat to the social and economic development of many countries.

The magnitude of the IDD problem is quite high. This has led to an International focus on elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and October 21 is observed as the Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day to create awareness towards this problem.

Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones which are needed for optimal mental and physical development and regulation of body metabolism. Therefore, in iodine deficiency populations, it is critical to have effective universal salt iodisation.

Iodine, a chemical element like carbon, oxygen or iron, is available in fairly constant amounts in seawater while it is found in an uneven distribution over land and fresh water. It is an essential part of the chemical structure of thyroid hormones. It makes two hormones - thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid hormones act in target organs by influencing many different chemical reactions, usually involving manufacture of key proteins. The body must have proper levels of thyroid hormone to work well.

Recommended daily intake of iodine varies with age. To meet iodine requirements, the recommended daily intakes are - 50 micrograms for infants (first 12 months of age), 90 mg for children (2-6 years of age) 120 mg for school children (7-12 years of age), 150 mg for adults (beyond 12 years of age) and 200 mg for pregnant and lactating women. Most of it comes from what we eat and drink. Seafood is usually a good source because the ocean contains considerable iodine. Freshwater fish reflect the iodine content of the water where they swim. Iodine contents in other foods vary depending on their source. Plants grown in iodine-deficient soil do not have much iodine, nor do meat or other products from animals fed on iodine-deficient plants. Iodized salt is a special case. With only a few isolated exceptions, edible salt (sodium chloride) does not naturally contain iodine. Iodine is added deliberately as one of the most efficient ways of improving iodine nutrition. Iodine exposure can come from many other sources too, for example certain food colorings (erythrosine), skin disinfectants, such as povidone iodine, is absorbed and reaches the bloodstream, health foods – certain types of kelp, dyes and medicines. People also get iodine from its use in farm animals, for cleansing udders or as part of iodine-containing medicines. Iodate has been used as a bread stabilizer in commercial baking, although this practice is less common now.

Though iodine deficiency has terrific negative effects, its excess can play havoc too. The excess of it causes thyroid under activity. Iodised and uniodised salt are sold simultaneously in the country. But the awareness of the health priority aspect of iodised salt among the public has resulted in the creation of a significant consumer demand for iodised salt.

The World over, including China and the neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Myanmar, Thailand, etc., are implementing compulsory salt iodisation for human consumption. Globally iodated salt is recognized as the cheapest and most sustainable way to prevent and control Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Except few types of goiter, most of the iodine deficiency disorders are irreversible and permanent in nature, but they can be easily prevented by regular consumption of iodated salt daily.

Realizing the magnitude of the problem, the Government launched a 100 per cent centrally assisted National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) in 1962. In August 1992, the National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) was renamed as National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP) with a view to cover a wide spectrum of Iodine Deficiency Disorders.

The Government's goal of NIDDCP is to reduce the prevalence of Iodine deficiency disorders below 10 per cent in the entire country by 2012 A.D.

 

rts/vn/ss-118/sf-118/20.10.2009/dk/kol/13:30 hrs.