AGRICULTURE

Fertiliser manufacturers face inquiry
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 30
The Union Government would initiate an inquiry against the fertiliser manufacturers who were receiving subsidy from the government and were not passing on the entire benefit to the farmers and were selling the fertilisers to the dealers at a price lower than the one on which they had claimed the subsidy, said Mr S.S. Dhindsa, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, here today.

He was addressing a gathering of farmers at a function organised to launch an insurance scheme for the farmers. Mr Dhindsa said that the government was willing to know the facts that whether these companies sold the fertilisers at cheaper rates just to get subsidy or there was any other reason.

Mr Dhindsa also said Kribhco might become a largest fertiliser company in Asia as after the disinvestment by the government from the NFL and Iffco, Kribhco would purchase both the companies.

While launching the insurance scheme, Mr Dhindsa said that to address to the core issue of the personal and economic losses, the government had planned such schemes which would not only assuage the sufferings of the farmers as well as their dependents but would also contribute significantly in improving their quality of life.

He said that the country needed a cooperative movement more strongly and effectively. He said that the system had although not progressed to cope up with the changing economic needs.

Mr Dhindsa appealed to the farmers to work in their fields themselves instead of depending upon the labour class. He said that the farmers would have to improve the quality of the produce to compete in the market now.

CULTURE

Walls that will floor you
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, September 30
A concept-based exhibition of latest building material is on in a Ludhiana hotel. The stalls display the latest in floor and window designs and you can get many suggestions on how to tackle termites, damp walls and cockroaches — nightmares of every householder.

New concepts in floor coverings that are on display, bring rugged beauty and a lifetime elegance to cement and mosaic floors. The doors can be painted or polished and are environment friendly. Stained-glass windows, panels, doors, tiffany lamps, stained-glass furniture, beveled-glass panels, glass etchings and acid glass wash attracted visitors. The tainted-glass abstract paintings and traditional Ganpati figures were no less an attraction.

Wood in the form of veneers is the best way to conserve. A company at the exhibition claimed that it could reveal wood’s resilience and fascinating texture in the form of veneers in myriad colours and designs. These veneers can be used as wall panels and furniture. The laminated surfaces are of different colours and can be cleaned easily. Bright tiles for children’s toilets were arranged attractively. Taps of different variety, quality, colours and combinations blend easily with any bathroom decor.

Brass doors, aluminum tables, sliding doors and kitchen partition fittings were all available. A new solar water heating system on display works on the principle of thermosyphon — gravity forces the cold water to flow down the panels that absorb solar energy and heat the water. A gas instant-water-heater was also on the shelf. Blinds in vibrant colours offered a very wide choice to consumers. Some companies were offering complete pest control. They had chemical solutions for termites, damp walls, cracks and leakages.

There were aquariums with different kinds of fish at the exhibition. This exhibition has been organised by the Showman Associates.

‘Shama’ in memory of WTC victims
Our Correspondent

The singers started the programme with a devotional song Ai malik tere bande hum. Since the occasion was of serious nature, most of the singers rendered patriotic or songs revolving round peace and love. Mr Sachdeva began the programme with a patriotic song Ai mere pyare watan. The two sisters Guneet, a doctor and Parneet, an architect, sang a duet Yaad nahin kya. Kulwant rendered a composition of Bashir Badr’s Jab raat ki tanhai dil ban ke dhadkati hai. Randher Kanwal rendered a song Insanon ki shamma jalti rahe. All the 15 singers were amateurs and wanted to contribute their mite through the songs their yearning to be one with pain caused by the attacks of the terrorists.