Latest news with #Lands
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
China-aided agricultural demonstration village launched in Zimbabwe
HARARE, May 14 (Xinhua) -- A China-aided agricultural demonstration village was officially launched on Wednesday in the Shamva District of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe, to enhance agricultural productivity among rural farmers. The demonstration village, the second of its kind set up by a Chinese agricultural expert group in the southern African country, draws inspiration from China's experience in poverty alleviation and aims to assist local farmers in transitioning from subsistence farming to a business-oriented approach. Dozens of households are gaining hands-on experience in sustainable farming through advanced irrigation systems, high-yielding drought-resistant seed varieties, precision farming techniques to optimize output, and integrated livestock-crop systems, according to the expert group. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the demonstration village attended by Chinese and Zimbabwean officials and local villagers, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos said the demonstration village highlights the shared vision for agricultural transformation between the two countries. "This project is a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and the People's Republic of China, rooted in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a common vision for sustainable development," he said, adding that capacitating rural farmers is critical for rural revitalization efforts and ensuring community development in the face of climate change. "The strategic importance of this demonstration village is that this project is not just another agricultural venture; it is a living laboratory of innovation, a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern technology, and a testament to South-South cooperation," said Haritatos. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the initiative deeply resonates with China's remarkable journey of development and poverty alleviation. "We fully recognize that with over 60 percent of Zimbabwe's population living in rural areas, it is essential to support the rural residents, especially those from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, in breaking the chains of poverty and unlocking their full potential," said Zhou. Beyond farming, the demonstration village also incorporates agro-processing facilities to add value and reduce post-harvest losses, training centers for skills transfer, renewable energy solutions, solar-powered cold storage, and processing units. Nomalisa Zindi, one of the beneficiaries, said the initiative has been pivotal in transforming subsistence farming into small businesses and creating self-sustainability. "We are no longer begging or asking for something, but we are doing it for ourselves, knowing that we are working on something that will give us money for our pockets and the money to keep the project going," she said.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State land commissioner bans mining in Upper Pecos Watershed
Mar. 12—SANTA FE — New Mexico's commissioner of public lands banned mining on state land in the Upper Pecos Watershed, a move meant to pressure the federal government to follow through on similar protections for federal land. Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard signed an executive order Wednesday morning to withdraw 2,552 acres of state land from mineral leases through 2045. There are no active mining leases on the state land, but a mining company, Comexico LLC, acquired 20 mining leases on federal land in the Upper Pecos Watershed in 2019. The area was once home to the Tererro Mine, which left significant mine waste behind, killing off 90,000 fish in 1991. The subsequent cleanup effort cost New Mexico $28 million. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland started the process to withdraw 165,000 acres of federal land from mining in December, but the Trump administration's interest in mining rare earth and precious metals may derail the process. "The Pecos River is worth more than gold, and we will continue to fight to keep it clean and healthy and thriving," said Pecos farmer Ralph Vigil, who is also a northern advocate for nonprofit New Mexico Wild. The Pecos River plays a key role in the Village of Pecos' local economy, according to Vigil and Pecos Mayor Telesfor Benavidez, because it is a popular camping and fishing area. The area is also culturally significant as the ancestral home of the Pueblo of Pecos. River water is used by local farmers in the acequia system, a tradition passed down for generations. "We still do it, because it's part of who we are," Vigil said. "It's part of that connection to the land, because without it, especially for me, I feel empty. I don't feel alive." The Bureau of Land Management indefinitely postponed a February public meeting, required as one of the first steps in the two-year process, to consider the proposed federal mining ban on 164,000 acres of National Forest land and 1,330 acres of BLM-managed land. BLM is still accepting public comments on the proposal until March 17, and New Mexico Wild has collected an estimated 400 comments to submit, said NM Wild staff attorney Sally Paez. President Donald Trump wants to increase domestic mining. He referenced increasing U.S. production of rare earth and critical minerals during last week's joint address of Congress. One of his day-one executive orders instructed federal agency heads to identify "agency actions that impose undue burdens on the domestic mining and processing of non-fuel minerals and undertake steps to revise or rescind such actions." Trump specifically directed the Interior and Agriculture secretaries to reassess any public land withdrawals for potential revision. The state Land Office order is an attempt to "push the powers that be to listen to the voices of the community," Garcia Richard said. The state Legislature is also throwing its support behind protections for the watershed. A state House joint memorial to support federal protections for the watershed passed 52-9 Tuesday. New Mexico's all-Democratic congressional delegation has vocally supported protections for the Pecos River. Sens. Ben Ray Luján and Martin Heinrich introduced the Pecos Watershed Protection Act in 2024 to protect portions of the watershed from mining. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández and Melanie Stansbury introduced a companion bill in the House. The state Land Office order will help, said Benavidez, who has been pushing for protections for the last six years. "The more we push, I think the better it is for our community," he said.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bill expanding prenatal care for low income mothers passes Alabama Senate
ALABAMA (WHNT) — A new law that would provide mothers using Medicaid with earlier access to prenatal care is making its way through the Alabama legislature. Alabama's infant motility rate is higher than the national average. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, the leading causes of infant death in the state are birth defects, preterm births and sudden infant death syndrome. The state's maternal mortality rate is also one of the worst in the nation. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. 'When you look at Alabama's numbers, there's just nowhere to go but up,' said Rep. Marilyn Lands. Lands sponsored the bill that would increase access to maternal healthcare. Accessing prenatal care through Medicaid currently requires a mother to provide proof of pregnancy. Under the current system, the process can take a month or more to obtain. '11% of Alabama women receive no prenatal care at all, and many don't get in until the third trimester or late in that second trimester,' Lands said. The law would give mothers 60 days to secure a pregnancy record, during which they can receive care. Lands said that extra time can make a difference. 'That allows us to identify preexisting conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and pre-eclampsia,' Lands said. 'We can begin talking about nutrition and the importance of vitamins and all the good things that we can do to ensure the best outcome possible.' Lands' bill picked up bipartisan support, passing unanimously in the House, and a companion bill has been approved by the Alabama Senate. The law would expire in 2028. A fiscal note attached to the bill estimates the expanded access would cost about $1 million annually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mud volleyball approved for Veterans Memorial Park
Feb. 19—On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Great Bend City Council approved the recommendation to bring the Oozefest Mud Volleyball tournament back to Veterans Memorial Park for this year's Party in the Park. The council also approved the recommendation to not have fireworks at Party in the Park this year. City Administrator Logan Burns said the mud volleyball pit will be located just to the west of the Splash Pad. "It is a bare spot now," he noted. Councilwoman Tina Mingenback asked Burns to share what he told her about re-seeding the area afterward to reduce dust and regrow the grass. Burns said that is the plan. By adding irrigation and hydroseed, "We could get it back up and looking good." He asked Public Lands Director Scott Keeler to comment. Keeler said timing has always presented challenges but irrigation will help. Councilwoman Jolene Biggs concluded, "I think it's worth a try." Mud volleyball brings 1,000 to 2,000 extra people to the event and it hurt attendance at Party in the Park when it was moved to the Expo grounds last year, Burns said, reading the recommendation that came out of a recent work session. There will be showers near the pit and muddy contestants will be advised not to enter the Splash Pad, which is fenced off. There were concerns that excessive mud might damage the pumps on the new water feature. "We'll try it for one year," he said. By eliminating fireworks, the city will save $5,000. Staff would like to use that money to have three bands play for the concert at the end of the Party.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Huntsville-area legislator's bill expanding access to prenatal care approved by Alabama House
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Alabama House has unanimously passed a bill that would ensure early access to prenatal care through Medicaid for low-income mothers. House Bill 89 is sponsored by Alabama Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-10th District, whose districts includes parts of Huntsville and Madison. Alabama congressional delegation on proposed federal workforce cuts The bill was approved on Thursday. 'We're very excited to have this legislation moving forward to really help Alabama's moms and babies,' Lands said. ' A similar measure, sponsored by Alabama Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-20th District, was passed out of a Senate Committee Thursday. Lands' bill would give expectant mothers – who can meet income eligibility requirements – 60 days to provide a proof of pregnancy record and related income records, while allowing them to start receiving prenatal care early on. Lands said the current system requires those records be submitted before prenatal care can begin. She said obtaining a proof of pregnancy record can take a month or more, which under the current system delays access to care. Lands said the measure would improve maternal and infant health, allow for pre-existing conditions to be identified sooner and help to improve Alabama's high infant and maternal mortality rates. Athens man charged for beating baby, sheriff's office says Lands said the bill was amended before winning House approval. 'The bill was amended in committee, to provide a sunset on it, which is October 2028, so we can look at the data to see how much it is actually costing, and to see how much we're saving,' she said. 'And we predict there will be some pretty enormous savings, in terms of reducing NICU stays, identifying pre-existing conditions earlier, just better all-around health outcomes.' A legislative fiscal note attached to the bill estimates the expanded access would cost about $1 million annually. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
