Aerobic rice tech

With reference to the news report (June 19) that KisanKraft is taking Aerobic Rice technology to five States, it is apt to mention here that the aerobic method is nothing new to the Indian farmer.

In fact, mainly due to the weed problem in paddy fields, a small section of farmers has shifted to System of Rice Intensification (SRI) which is also called as Madagascar method, where weed removal through mechanical means is much easier and also conserves water and seed, with high yield per acre in return.

The agricultural universities and KVKs must promote and popularise this SRI method, which is already backed by government subsidies and is an eco-friendly process.

Sakaleshpur (Karnataka)

A week has gone since Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a sit-in protest along with his three senior Cabinet colleagues at the Lieutenant-Governor’s (LG) office demanding his immediate intervention to end the alleged strike by the bureaucrats and ensure the door step delivery of ration to the people, but there is no solution in sight to the dismay of the people of Delhi.

Kejriwal’s demand for full statehood for Delhi and more autonomy in the affairs of state administration are legitimate, but his dharna politics to press home his demands leave a lot to be desired. Observations by the political analysts that the ruling BJP at the Centre has been making efforts to further curtail the powers of the elected government led by Kejriwal in order to weaken him politically cannot be brushed aside easily as baseless. In the ongoing stand-off between the Lt Governor and Delhi Chief Minister, the issues of governance and public welfare have taken a back seat. It is hoped Kejriwal gets down to the business of governance sooner than later by keeping his politics of activism at bay.

Sholavandan (Tamil Nadu)

While the probe into the allegation of conflict of interest against Chanda Kochhar is welcome, had it not been for public pressure, the bank would have continued its denial mode of any wrongdoing on her part. Kochhar’s decision to step aside till the probe gets over can’t be called as “the highest levels of governance and corporate standards” because it’s being done only after an independent probe has been ordered, not prior to it. Though the unproven charges have seriously dented the image of one of the largest, efficiently-run private banks in the country, the probe and the appointment of Sandeep Bakhshi as the interim Wholetime Director and Chief Operating Officer did drive home the point that the bank is serious in probing the allegations.

Bengaluru

With reference to ‘A story of courage’ under fire’ (June 19), the dastardly killing of Shujaat Bukhari has shocked the entire nation especially the press fraternity. It is all the more painful and surprising that Mehboba Mufti government in Kashmir has utterly failed to protect the journalist, who was instrumental in bringing peace and harmony in Kashimir valley. As a journalist, Bukhari’s contributions were undeniable and outstanding. The staff members were bold enough to bring out ‘Rising Kashmir’ edition.

As usual after Bukhari’s death, leaders across party lines including our Home Minister have expressed shock and dismay. But one wonders whether this is enough. The urgent need of the hour is for both the Kashmir government and the Centre to chalk out a strong strategy to control the militancy in Kashmir with an iron hand. No leniency should be shown to the militants, who are bent on destroying democracy in Kashmir and putting the freedom and human rights of the citizens at stake. Each life is precious and the militants should not be allowed to kill the innocents and our brave soldiers.

Kolkata

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