Dehradun, January 24
Foggy conditions have upset the business plans of farmers who have been eyeing the wedding season to make huge profits. Their flower cultivation has been badly affected in several parts of Uttarakhand. Worried farmers of Rudrapur, Jaspur and Kashipur, the areas that have earned the sobriquet of the “Gerbera belt”, are keeping their fingers crossed and praying for a sunny weather in the days to come to save their business.

The cold wintry and foggy conditions prevailing for the past more than one week in the region have affected the physiology of flowers that are grown in the open and in controlled conditions. Farmers hoping to get 100 flowers per day from 1,000 plants are now expecting to get only 40-50 per day.

“The quality of flowers gets affected. These usually have a dull appearance due to reduced sunlight. The buds of roses take a longer time to open and sometimes wilt away. Frost even affects the quality of leaves. In my assessment, farmers will have to contend with a reduced production in the range of 10-20 per cent,” said YP Singh, DHO, Nainital.

As per the data provided by the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, the total area under flower cultivation in Uttarakhand in 2008-09 was 909.45 hectare and the total production for the same period was 610.47 metric tonne.

Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Dehradun and Haridwar districts are clear leaders as far as total area under floriculture is concerned. In 2008-2009 the total area under cultivation in Udham Singh Nagar district stood at 228.80 hectare and production 17.24, in Nainital district the area under flower cultivation was 96.76 hectare and production 17.24 metric tonne, and in Dehradun district the area under flower cultivation was 113.60 hectare and production 55.89 metric tonne. In Haridwar district total area under flower cultivation was 285.10 hectare and production 249.64 metric tonne.

In Nainital, the gerbera variety of flower is grown on 31.7 hectares that is under protected area (polyhouses), carnation on 9.5 hectare of protected area (polyhouses), galdioli on 40 hectares of open area, marigold on five hectares of open area and rose is grown on six hectares of open area.

“I was eyeing the marriage season, that had set in early this month. On Basant Panchami, an auspicious occasion, a number of marriages are solemnised. Another auspicious date will fall tomorrow and then there are hosts of marriages planned for the month of February, but I do not think my flowers will fetch me the price that I got last year. A lack of sunlight for the past five days has affected the photosynthesis process resulting into a retarded growth of flowers. At least eight hours of sunlight is required even for flowers growing in polyhouses,” said a worried Balbir Kamboj, who is growing carnation and gerbera in polyhouses constructed on 2.5 acres at Kaladungi, near Haldwani.

Besides, the farmers also had to tackle problems like delayed trains due to fog, upsetting their transportation plans. Several farmers could not deliver consignments on time.

On the other hand, bright sunshine has been a saving grace for farmers of Dehradun. “In Laxmipur, Vikas Nagar, Sahaspur, Chandrote and Prem Nagar, flower varieties like gerbera, gladioli, rose and carnation are making a healthy growth and so are the marigold,” said Dr Amar Singh, DHO, Dehradun.

Dehradun, January 24
Keeping parrots, maina or any Indian species of birds in confines can land you in trouble. The Uttarakhand Forest Authorities have decided to do away with the soft approach towards those dealing in these avian fauna and adopt stricter measures.

Chief Conservator of the Forests and Member Uttarakhand Animal Welfare Board Jairaj has issued instructions to all divisional forest officers for adopting a more stern approach against those dealing with the protected avian species or keeping them in confines. “It was generally found that those into trade of these birds and parrots are often let off with easy penalties,” said Jairaj.

The forest officials doubted if any such strong moves would have any effect on the source of livelihood for many who were engaged in this business. They argued that there were several legal ways to earn their livelihood than resorting to sale and purchase of birds and parrots.

Jairaj said the officials would be shortly comprising teams, who would look into these issues and take action against perpetrators of crime against this precious avian fauna.

Resorting to the business of purchase and sale of protected species can lead to a fine to the tune of Rs 25,000 and imprisonment of three to seven years.

It is mostly the decorative birds like parrots that find way into houses, and the Forest Department so far had adopted a sympathetic approach towards such issues.

The department’s initiative comes at a time when there have been growing concerns over diminishing number of sparrows and keeping birds and parrots in confines have become quite common.

Nainital, January 24
A two-day national symposium on “Social Entrepreneurship for Rural Development” was held at the Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, recently. The event was organised under the banner of Yuva, a campaign for a radical change in the youth, and was an initiative of the Vivekananda Swadhyay Mandal and Sanskritik Chetna Parishad.

Around 80 participants of various universities from all over the country and renowned organisations in the field of social entrepreneurship, like the Kaushalya Foundation, Sulabh International and Indo-Dutch Floriculture Project participated in the event.

The Registrar and Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Dr KK Singh, while inaugurating the symposium said: “This is a unique opportunity to explore new fields in the area of self-employment and social uplift”.

The symposium focused on infusing the spirit of social entrepreneurship and enhancement of personal development among the youth.

Dr B Kumar, Director (Communications), asked students to pay heed to the call of theinner voice and then take important decisions in life.

Managing Director of the Kaushalya Foundation Kaushlendra Kumar, who is also a social entrepreneur, inspired the youth to become job providers on the basis of their talents and training.

An entrepreneur from Uttarakhand, Sudhir Chaddha, shared his valuable experience in horticulture development inspiring farmers of hills to come forward with various innovations.

The Executive Chairman of Sulabh International, Dr MP Singh, talked about exemplary works done by his organisation for the uplift of scavengers through training and employment. Students from various universities presented their business plans with innovative ideas ranging from basic facilities for pilgrims, biogas, rose oil extraction, garbage and laptops for poor, using their creativity, business acumen and communication skills. This was followed by an interactive session on the role of social entrepreneurs to educated the youth in solving problems, which they faced in rural areas.

The deliberation, which lasted over two days, led the participants and experts to conclude that social entrepreneurship should become a part of technical universities’ curriculum. The universities must have an entrepreneurship centre to train, help and guide students in developing their creative ideas. Regular training, seminars and symposia should be organised in the university to create an entrepreneurial environment.

Dehradun, January 24
The Sai Institute of Paramedical and Allied Sciences (SIPAS) organised a placement interview, 2010, on its campus here yesterday. Around 89 students were selected. A two-day event began for passing-out students from different departments so that they can avail the best career opportunities.

“This is a dedicated activity for students with a unique model, where job seekers can meet, interact and interview with several top employers of various fields under one roof. Not only from Uttarakhand, several big companies from Hyderabad, Delhi and Himachal Pradesh have come for placement interviews,” said Registrar of the institute Dr Aparna Singh.

Eraser Cosmetics, Talent Healthcare, Windlass Biotech, Data Logistics, Strategic Solutions, Technical Solutions, Indigo Artwork and Shikhar Technical were some of the pharma and IT companies among the list of recruiters.

Dr Singh added that nearly 300 students had participated in the event. Various prominent companies from SIDCUL Haridwar, Pharma City Dehradun and 30 other companies were looking forward to select job seekers.

While interacting with mediapersons, vice-chairperson of the institute Rani Arora exalted that it was a good opportunity for students looking for good career resources.

Chairman of the institute Harish Arora said this activity was organised with the endeavour to provide an academics and industry interface for the benefit of the aspirants. Moreover, it would also make them learn about the required sets of skills to get through companies acting as a perfect launchpad for their career ahead.

Dehradun, January 24
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the completion of 60 years of its formation will organise a grand celebration on January 28.

Addressing mediapersons, state president Umed Singh Negi said, “This is a grand moment for the members of the ABVP and people who have been actively associated with it”.

Chief guest on the occasion will be national organisational secretary Sunil Ambedkar. However, the students will be lead in the presence of renowned astrologer Archarya Ashish Semwal. Dev Sanskrit Vidalaya’s Vice-Chancellor Dr SP Mishra and active members Sunil Vanchar and Dharampal will equally participate and look into the nitty-gritty of the function.

Furthermore in February, members of the ABVP will initiate contact with intellectual members of the society. The members from the Uttarakhand Chapter will also participate in a meeting of the ABVP to be held in Udaipur on February 7 and 8 while in Mumbai on February 14 and 15, respectively.

Rakesh Dobhal, Jitendra Rawat, Anuj Kumar, Aashish Bahuguna, Puja and other prominent members of the party were present at the gathering.

Dehradun, January 24
On the occasion of the 13th foundation day, the Uttaranchal Valmiki Krantikari Morcha organised a seminar here today. The seminar was led by city Mayor Vinod Chamoli in the presence of chief guest Urban Development and Tourism Minister Madan Kaushik.

Various issues pertaining to the development of Valmiki/Dalit community were discussed amid the chief guest and other dignitaries.

Commenting on the issues, members of the morcha asserted that the contribution of Dalits in the development of nation had been very crucial. “We organised the seminar to discuss our problems and find solutions for the prosperity of our community,” said founder of morcha Bhagwat Prasad Makwana.

Meritorious students in the field of academics and sports were also felicitated on the occasion. Senior citizens of the community for their constant guidance and noble work were also awarded mementos.

"The role of the community has been immense in the development of the society, which cannot be ignored," said Madan Kaushik.

However, the members of the morcha also gave a memorandum to the chief guest. Along with a demand for caste certificate, they demanded land for housing facility, employment opportunities under the bank quota, daily wages to sanitary workers, pension plans and increment in their present salaries. 

Dehradun, January 24
It was Dehradun’s day in the girls hockey final played at the Panchayat Raj Yuva Kaliyan Games that concluded at MKP College.

The team emerged victorious over Haridwar beating it by 2-0. Shivani was the star performer for the team with a brace.

The Dehradun team yet again gave a dominating performance at the tournament. Yesterday it registered a thumping victory over Pithoragarh 6-0 in the semifinals.

After the sensational performance in the semifinal the players outplayed Haridwar completely in the final.

The Dehradun team made a penetrating move at the opponent’s goal in the 7th minute of the match. But the move could not materialise as its forward players failed to put their stick in line to the shot.

But the team did not have to wait for a long, it scored its first goal in the 19th minute of the match.

It was Shivani for the team who took a powerful shot at Haridwar team’s goalpost to help the team take a upper hand in the match making it 1-0.

The Dehradun team struck again in the 29th minute of the match and it was Shivani again for the team who scored for the team to make it 2-0.

In the second half, the Haridwar team displayed coordination and made some good strategy moves toward their opponents.

But the team lacked in finishing touches and missed the scoring opportunity on a number of occasions. In the end the team lost the match by 2-0 to the Dehradun team. 

Dehradun, January 24
The Udham Singh Nagar team lifted the boys Hockey Trophy at the Panchayat Raj Yuva Kaliyan Games underway at MKP. The team won the match against Dehradun in a tiebreaker.

Both teams couldn’t score a goal in the allotted time. The Dehradun team did make some sharp moves to their opponent goalpost in the match. But it failed to capitalise on the moves. Similarly, Udham Singh Nagar forward line could not take advantage of the scoring opportunities. In the tiebreaker, the Udham Singh Nagar team won the match by 4-2.

In the hard-line final match played between Pauri and Haridwar. The Haridwar team registered 5-4, victory over the Pauri team for the third spot. In first 20 minutes of the match, the Pauri team pumped in three goals for his side to make it 3-0.

Anurag scored the first goal for his side in the 2nd minute. Six minutes later Aman scored the second goal for his side, and the third goal came in the 22nd minute.

But the Haridwar team came a strong comeback in the match and scored its first goal in the 25th minute through Rajesh, one-minute later Ravi came up with a powerful shot to score the second goal of the match.

Param scored an equaliser for the Haridwar team to make it 3-3. After scoring an equaliser, Haridwar team scored the fourth goal through Ravi to take the lead in the match for the first time. But Pauri equalised it in the 36th minute making it 4-4. In the end it was Ravi who scored a winning goal for the Haridwar team. 

Dehradun, January 24
Haridwar and Dehradun teams dominated the Judo Competition at the Panchayat Raj Yuva Kaliyan Games underway at the Parade Ground here today.

Boys results of today’s matches are as follows: In 42 kg Dehradun’s Abhay Rana won gold and Aditya of Haridwar was placed at the second spot. Sanjeev of Haridwar won gold in 46 kg, whereas Vinod Singh of Dehradun won silver.

In 50 kg, Manoj Kumar of Haridwar was placed at first spot and Abhishek Rawat of Dehradun had to settle for silver.

In 55 kg, Anurag occupied the first spot after defeating Vineet Kumar of Pauri.

In 60 kg R Dimiry (Pauri) won gold. In 66 kg, Nilesh Negi of Dehradun won gold, whereas Ankit of Haridwar claimed gold in 73 kg, with Vishabh Chaudhari gold in 81 kg. 

Dehradun, January 24
The Uttarakhand Paralympics Association today organiaed a practice camp for the upcoming National Paralympic Competition, scheduled to be held in March.

Uttarakhand team will be selected on the bases of the performance given at the camp.

Secretary of the association, Prem Kumar said, "We decided to organise the camp seeing upcoming competition in March."

He also urged that central government should also included paralympic games in Panchayat Raj Yuva Kaliyan Games they could also take advantage of the competition. 

Today's events include, discus throw and javelin throw.

Roorkee, January 24
The all-round performance by Naresh Parihar proved instrumental in marching the Uttarakhand Police into the quarterfinals of the ongoing Unity Cup Cricket Tournament here today.

In today’s pre-quarterfinal match at Nehru Stadium, Parihar chipped in 40 runs and snapped three crucial wickets for 25 runs to make his team win by four wickets.

Batting first, opponents Kishan Ganj Gymkhana, Delhi, set a target of 185, scoring 184 for 6 in stipulated 30 overs. In reply, the winners achieved the target in just 28 overs.

For the Delhi team, Vineet scored 42 runs in 38 balls, followed by Aditya Jain’s 31 off 30. The other batsmen, Mohammad Mohsin and Faizal returned to the pavilion after contributing 30 runs each to the team’s total 184. Parihar took three wickets, conceding 25 runs in six overs.

In reply, the Uttarakhand Police started its innings on a good note with Ravi Bisht’s superb unbeaten knock of 53 runs. He was supported well by Parihar, who made 40 runs while Narinder contributed 22 runs to reach the target.

Dinesh Yadav of the Delhi team claimed four wickets for 26 runs whereas Rahul and Vineet Jain got one wicket each.Parihar was declared Man of the Match.