Discussion on organic farming on January 8
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 5
The Punjab Organic Farming Association (POFA) will organise a meeting on Saturday to discuss various aspects related to organic farming. "The meeting is the result of initiative taken by various NGOs, farmers and individuals dedicated to ecology, conservation and organic faming in Punjab," said Mr Umendra Dutt, director, Kheti Virasat.

The meeting will be addressed among others by environmentalist Mr Claude Alvares and Mr Ram Kalaspurkar, secretary, Virbhadra Organic Farmers Association, Maharashtra. Mr Dutt said the association was willing to provide a common platform to all stakeholders of organic farming movement in Punjab.

Farmers decry freeze on MSP
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, January 5
Farmers of the region have condemned freezing of the minimum support price (MSP) for various crops. They regretted that even the Punjab Government had endorsed the Central Government’s move despite the fact that farmers of the state would be the worst hit.

Mr Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President, state Bharatiya Kisan Union, said as long as the government did not freeze the input costs, there was no reason for freezing the MSP of various crops. He said the move would hit the farmers who had been reeling under severe financial pressure.

Mr Lakhowal also criticised the import of the sugar. He alleged that the government wanted to help a few private sugar producers. 

Annual prize day held
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, January 5
The annual prize distribution function -2005 of Everest Model High School, Giaspura, was held here today. Mr Harpreet Singh Sandhu, Deputy Advocate General, was the chief guest. Mr Hakam Singh Giaspura, Mr Sushil Malhotra, member, Sales Tax Advisory Committee were the guests of honour.

The programme began with ‘Saraswati vandana.’ The students presented a bright and colourful programme on this occasion.

They performed skits based on discipline and anti-corruption and presented folk dances and folk songs. The skits ‘De datta ke naam’ and ‘Tootan wala khoo’ presented by the students was applauded.

Mr Rajinder Sharma welcomed the guests. Mr Harpreet Singh Sandhu, addressing students, lauded the remarkable progress made by the school in the field of education and sports.

He advised the students to work hard in order to shine in every sphere.

The items presented on songs such as ‘Bole churian,’ ‘Gori gori,’ presented by the tiny-tots were fascinating. The most eye-catching items were ‘bhangra and gidda’ which impressed the audience.

Mr Harpreet Singh Sandhu, Mr Hakam Singh Giaspura gave away the prizes to the participants. He advised the students to follow the direction given by Guru Gobind Singh.Other distinguished guests were Mr Darshan Singh Bedi, Mr Darshan Singh Virk and Mr Sardool Singh Garewal.

Ms Dheeraj Sharma also addressed the gathering and congratulated the students for their wonderful performance.

Mr Sardool Singh Garewal, president, Everest Educational Society and Mr S.K.Sharma, manager, Everest Educational society thanked the guests on the occasion.