18/07/2014 … Weather information and related agro-advisories are provided to farmers by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through Kisan Mobile Advisory messages, Radio & TV programmes and newspapers. KVKs have also prepared contingent plans emphasizing on crop that requires less water, short duration varieties and planning for protective irrigation and enhanced water use efficiency. About 40882 quintals of seeds of various crops have also been made available to KVKs to meet any contingent requirement of farmers.

In the wake of weak monsoon during Kharif-2014, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been constantly monitoring the weather forecasts and updating weather information to farmers to facilitate sowing of Kharif crops.

In addition, under National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), ICAR has been providing demonstration on climate resilient practices like water harvesting, direct seeded rice, alternate wetting and drying, green maturing etc. on farmers’ fields to help farmers cope up with seasonal climatic variability in crop production.

This information was given today by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries in a written reply to Rajya Sabha questions.

11/06/2015 …. St cruz mla babush monsoratte has preferred defence minister Manohar Parrikar a better choice as the state minister of the state other than present chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar stating that the former chief minister Manohar Parrikar was a person who could hear an mla even if he was from opposition and was a go getter …

Speaking to goanreporter st cruz mla babush monsoratte said that he still believed that the present defence minister Manohar Parrikar was a better choice as chief minister than present cm Laxmikant Parsekar as mr Parrikar was a go getter where he could be explained on various issues of his constituencies and of the state

Monosoratte said that he was thankful to the congress for having removed him from the party as he was able to get his developmental works done for his constituencies which he was finding difficult to get it done earlier

Commenting over the recent comment made by dabolim mla mauvin godinho saying that the congress party had done a mistake by removing babush, Monsoratte stated that mauvin might had criticized the congress party for not removing him as both of them were sailing in the same boat ….

Panaji: July 11, 2014 ….. Minister for Forest and Environment Smt Alina Saldanha launched the Vanamahotsava 2014 at state level function held in the campus of Government College of Arts Science and Commerce at Sankhali today.

The function was organized by the Forest Department in association with Government College, Sankhali.

The function was graced by Vice Chairman of Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation and MLA Shri  Pramod Sawant.

Smt Saldnaha planted the fruit bearing saplings followed by Shri Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries to mark the tree plantation programme.

Speaking on the occasion the Forest Minister highlighted the need for planting more trees and proper utilization of forest resources to conserve environment. Stressing on life saving factors Forest Minister said, trees gives us oxygen, food and water which plays a important role as far as human life is concerned. Trees also plays important role in formation of clouds she added.

Forest Minister further informed the gathering about the non planting of acacia trees in the state. She said the Government is giving more thrust on planting fruit and medicinal plants.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Pramod Sawant said approximately 5000 saplings will be planted in Sankhali constituency. He said personal care will be taken for survival of the planted trees and nurtured them grow. He appealed to the public to keep Sankhali clean and green.

Dr. Richard D’Souza, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator spoke on the occasion. Other present were Shri Upendra Karpe, Councillor, Shri Milind Relekar, Councillor, Shri Anand Kanekar, Vice Chairman Ravindra Bhavan, Shri G. Kumar, Conservator, Conservation Forest Department.

 Earlier Smt. Lucy James, Principal of Government College welcomed the guests. Shri Sharad Zamkhande compered the function. Shri Kamu Prakash, Asstt, Conservator (Wildlife and Eco-Tourism, North) proposed vote of thanks

Panjim, April 28: Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) today launched its all new e-commerce portal and mobile application on the android and iOS platforms that will provide tourists a digital experience of Goa. This is the first venture of its kind to be launched by a Tourism Board in India.

Hon’ble Chief Minister, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar recently launched the new technology at a  function held at Calangute Residency.  Also present at the launch event included Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral, Hon’ble MLA and Chairman of NGPDA, Mr. Michael Lobo, Chief Secretary of Goa, Mr. R. K. Srivastava (IAS), Director of Tourism, Mr. Sanjeev C. Gauns Dessai,  Managing Director of GTDC, Mr. Nikhil Desai and Board  of Directors of GTDC.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Laxmikant Parsekar said, “I am extremely happy to see how Goa Tourism Development Corporation is evolving and making Goa Tourism attractive and innovative every passing day. The use of technology and digitalizing tourism services is the need of the hour to reach out to tourists in India and international markets.  I credit  the Tourism  Minister, Chairman  of GTDC  and  their teams for adopting  technology as  a tool  to  give a big fillip  to tourism. Goa is the first Board in the country to log in to a unique technology which will provide a variety of Goa Tourism products to tourists on one platform. Every aspect of Goa, such as its history, tourist spots, culture, adventure activities, transport facilities, and many more will be highlighted in this portal. This will help tourists plan their trips and easily make their bookings at Bed and Breakfast units, starred hotels, heritage homes and indulge in activities such as water sports, adrenaline activities, music festivals, restaurant bookings, nature and cultural trails to heritage sites, walking trails to river cruises, and many more at the click of a button.”

During the launch the  dignitaries, guests and media were also  given an insight into the  operations  of  the technology and it’s working.

Hon’ble Minister  for Tourism, Mr. Dilip Parulekar said, “ The web portal is designed in such a way that international and domestic visitors will be able to browse through various options right from choosing holiday  packages, travel itineraries, hotel bookings, sight-seeing, adventure trips, spice gardens , water parks, crocodile dandis, dolphin trips and much more, with ease. Right from a pick-up at the airport to the activities available in Goa will be provided under this single portal.”

Goa Tourism Development Corporation has got tremendous positive response from Goan private entrepreneurs who have already registered with GTDC to market their products.

Hon’ble Chairman of GTDC, Mr. Nilesh Cabral said, “The   new web portal provides an opportunity for locals to generate revenue thereby making it beneficial for residents of Goa and tourists alike. The suppliers will need to register under the GTDC web portal to avail the benefit as it is an opportunity to market their products and services worldwide.”

QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd., experienced in developing software for over 100 travel website applications and marketing noted travel brands world-wide, was awarded the contract to undertake this project. GTDC will not incur any costs for the venture and in fact stands to gain revenue through a revenue sharing model.

This website-cum-e-commerce portal will be available in six foreign languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, German and French in addition to Hindi and English. It is also backed by a 12-hour contact centre service that will make the process of booking and query responses quicker.

APIs to connect with other platforms and increase collaborative opportunities will now be possible.

The major highlight of the project is to build a world-wide database of travel agents interested in Goa and provide them with everything their clients need in the simplest form. Elements like artificial intelligence supported itinerary builders will facilitate the same. On ground service to all registered suppliers in Goa is pivotal to the success of the project.

Shawn Mendes, from QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. said, “The vision behind the platform is to be a holistic resource where one can educate oneself on the tourism offering of Goa. It will promote experiences unique to Goa and deliver value to not only the visitor but also all the tourism stakeholders that are contributing to make this vision a reality.”

QUB Tourism Services Pvt. Ltd. will conduct national and international online marketing activities through offices in countries outside India along with creation and management of marketing tools for agents.

GTDC is the first tourism board across the country to introduce such a innovative platform.