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Agreements between ONGC and Directorate of Biotechnology, government of Tripura, for launching two bio-villages projects were signed in the Pragna Bhavan in Agartala on Friday.

The agreements were signed in presence of deputy chief minister Jishnu Deb Barma and minister for science, technology and environment, Sudip Roy Barman and ED-Asset Manager of ONGC Tripura Asset, G K Singha Roy,

On behalf of ONGC, Dr U K Pandey, GM (HR) – I/C CSR and for Directorate of Biotechnology Animesh Das, Director S&T signed the agreement at the office of Directorate of Biotechnology at Vigyan Bhawan of Agartala.

One of the bio-village projects will be at Amtali village under Charilam RD Block and the other one will be at Echamuah under ward No 10 of Agartala Municipal Corporation.

At least 280 members of 85 households belonging to the farming community of villages would be benefitted once these bio-village projects are successfully executed.

The bio-village projects aim to make a holistic development of socio-economy for a rural community with the application of eco-friendly technologies. The components included in the bio-village project are, distribution of energy-saving electronic gadget (LED bulb & fan), biotech kit, mushroom, beekeeping and biogas unit.

Launching the noble endeavour, deputy chief minister Jishnu Deb Barma said, “These bio-village projects make the way for sustainable development of the society. It motivates entrepreneurship and makes the environment cleaner and greener.”

He lauded the proactive CSR efforts of G K Singha Roy.

Meantime, minister for science, technology & environment, Roy Barman said, “It seems to be an excellent eco-friendly approach, in a time when we all are concerned about the consequences of indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides on environment & Agricultural produce. The ill effects of chemical pesticide causing diseases like gastric, neuro problem, cancer and many more to the human being beside polluting water, soil & air substantially.”

Speaking on the occasion ED- Asset Manager Singha Roy said, “This initiative is a step towards solving the problems of unemployment of Tripura and bringing to the forefront bio-employment policies co-related with economic reality, thereby promoting green employment in the green state of Tripura.”

He further added that the minister for petroleum and natural gas, DharmandraPradhan is also the minister for skill development and entrepreneurship and under his guidance, ONGC is giving more emphasis on skill development and such unique initiative will be preferred by ONGC.

This unique project will lay emphasis on skill development, which will ultimately result in the sustainable development of a village and virtually transform a group of farmers into the budding entrepreneur.

He added that ONGC Tripura Asset has spent more than Rs 40 Crore under CSR head in FY 2018-19 and ready to spend more if viable and sustainable projects are available.

Pinaki Das is Northeast Now Correspondent in Agartala. He can be reached at: [email protected]