Killing slowly but surely

After the recent shocker from the global burden of disease estimates that one fifth of global deaths occur from outdoor air pollution in India.  This revelation has forced a re-look at region specific solutions to cut the killer pollution. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi has recently organized a regional workshop in Guwahati, Assam. From Tripura, Nandita Datta and Jaydip Chakrabarti participated in the workshop. Click here for the details of workshop.   

Cultivable land shrinks but food grain production increases

Riding on self-sufficiency drive initiated in 2000-01 in Tripura, shortage of food grain production reduced drastically. Owing to population increase coupled with other reasons, availability of cultivable land shrunk remarkably. Population density increased from 62 in 1951 to 350 in 2012 and average per capita land holding trimmed down from 1.25 hector in 1976-77 to 0.56 hector at present. However, food grain production that stood at 2.58 MT during 1970 swelled to 7.30 MT in 2011-12 indicating a 3-fold increase. With augmented food grain production, shortage of food grain supply is reduced from 37% in 2000-01 to 12% during current year. Analyzing the current production scenario, Officials of State Agriculture Department attributed success to proper implementation of Centrally sponsored Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY), effective utilization of lands distributed in Forest Rights’ Act etc. Availability of high yield seed variety and improved fertilizers also contributed to growth of production. Nonetheless, a more or less normal monsoon too paved way for better harvest this year.

However, this glittering picture has its grim side too. During last Rabi season in 2012-13, around 60,000 hectre land remained barren and no crop was cultivated. The reason? The answer is simple: lack of irrigation water. Cultivation in Rabi season that starts from winter is irrigation-dependent. And despite expansion of irrigation facilities, many cultivable lands of the State lack the adequate irrigation facility leaving vast lands barren during dry season. Had this barren land could be cultivated, the scenario would have been altogether different. Fortunately, Agriculture Department of the State has come up with a host plans keeping in mind both short-term and long run objectives. Plans envisage bringing as much as land under cultivation during dry season by selecting crops suitable for dry weather condition and augmenting water availability among other steps.

Welfare Schemes rekindling hopes for hopeless

Tripura, a non-descript State of North East India surrounded by Bangladesh from three sides, is silently but surely marching ahead. Efficient implementation of welfare schemes and a well organized three-tier local governance, known as Panchayati Raj, are catalysts to growth of once militancy-ridden Tripura. 

Emerging out of shadow of militancy, Malda Roaja Para in Dhalai District, is celebrating benefits of several Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). The village inhabited by tribal communities, located near the Indo-Bangla border area, witnessed bitter ethnic violence during 90s. However, with the help of security agencies and administration, the villagers are marching forward steadily. 

During the last Financial Year (2011-12), 97 person-days were created under MGNREGA. This scheme that ensures job even for unskilled person has provided much needed income source to hapless tribal people.  Homeless people were benefited from Rural Housing schemes, known as Indira Awas Yojna (IAY). During 2011-12, under such schemes, 87 tribal people found shelters. It is intriguing to note the exultant moods of tribal families who are now having a shelter as well as some money to buy foods. 

< Written by Jaydip Chakrabarti, Rural Reporter, Tripura >