IT helps farmers cope with drought

HYDERABAD: Predicting drought severity by using Information Technology, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has saved hundreds of villagers in Mahabubnagar district from incurring heavy losses.

According to an ICRISAT press release here on Tuesday, rains in 21 villages in Adakkal block were 90 per cent less than normal in June and July, 2009 — the driest in 80 years. Along with Government’s daily wage job schemes, ICRISAT’s farming systems meant for adverse weather prevented several villagers from migrating this year. Volunteers of Adarsha Mahila Samakhya (AMS), a women’s self-help group, were trained in a novel mechanism of predicting drought severity which in turn benefited farming families.

ICRISAT sent colour-coded maps, suggesting the intensity of drought, to AMS volunteers through internet. The volunteers made colour copies available for display and discussions in the villages. Apart from making the forecasts available to farmers, ICRISAT scientists through video-conferencing suggested short duration varieties of paddy as rice was the most sown crop in the region.

Women entrepreneurs at their best

Trade carnival by COWE begins at Necklace Road

 

 

Check it out: Enthusiastic buyers at the Trade Carnival 2009 being organised by Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs at Necklace Road on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: Are you on the look out for those decorative ‘diyas’, creative knick-knacks and designer chocolates for the ensuing Deepavali ? Do you fancy designer silk and cotton sarees with a variety of handmade embellishments or scouting for that ideal nutrition snack foods ? Then Trade Carnival-2009 at People’s Plaza, Necklace Road is the place to head for.

The three-day carnival organised by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs (COWE) to help women turn entrepreneurs in fields of their choice and help them market their products was inaugurated by State Bank of Hyderabad Chief General Manager Sunil Pant on Saturday.

The five- year- old COWE, which was started with six members, today has about 600 members engaged in diverse fields, engineering, Information Technology, bio-technology, pharmacy, food, textiles, service sector, industry, legal and financial services.

Cowe president Uma said the trade carnival was provided with an aim to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their products, widen market opportunities, test market preference and networking opportunities.

“Our objective is to ensure empowerment through entrepreneurship,” says Uma. This is not difficult for women as they are good at multi-tasking, far more committed to their work, regular in loan repayments.

The trade fair has numerous stalls exhibiting fashion ware, handicrafts, interiors, jewellery, household goods, consumer durables. Some women entrepreneurs like Anuradha running paper cup units successfully also put on display imported automatic paper cup machine that can make 50 cups a minute.

Puja, an ex-Bank of America employee, started her own trousseau and attractive gift packing enterprise for a variety of products during weddings, baby showers, festivals etc. Her homemade chocolates in attractive packing apparently enjoy demand as corporate gifts.

Cowe on its part helps its members by organising six-week programmes, giving them motivation, awareness, entrepreneurship skills, exposure through field visits , networking through tie-ups with business organisations, MoUs with international women’s organisations for marketing purposes.