Deda method of Muria Tribe

Why in news?

• Muria tribal farmers who migrated from Chhattisgarh to Godavari Valley are still practicing ‘deda’, a traditional method of preserving seeds.

What is the Deda method?

• In this method the seeds are preserved in leaves and packed almost airtight to look like boulders from a distance.
• The packaged seeds are, in turn, woven with Siali leaf (Bauhinia vahlii), which is locally known as ‘addakulu’ to make the Deda.
• The method guarantees protection of seed from pests and worms and the stored seeds can be used for cultivation for up to five years.

Multi-layer protection

• A Deda has three layers.In the first layer, wood ash is spread inside the Siali leaves.
• Later, the ash is covered with lemon leavesto form a casing, and, lastly, the seeds are preserved inside the casing and sealed.

Manipuri Pony (Meitei Sagol)

Why in news?

• The Government of Manipur has recently joined hands with various organisations and associations to save the Manipuri Pony or Meitei Sagol

About Manipuri Pony

• It is one of the seven recognised horse and pony breeds of India.
  • The others include the Marwari Horse, the Kathiawari Horse, the Zanskari Pony, the Spiti Pony, the Bhutia Pony and the Kachhi-Sindhi Horse.
• The population of the Manipuri Pony, a highly valued breed, has been dwindling rapidly in recent times
  • In the last livestock census done in 2019, the number had dropped further to 1,089.
• Utility : They are used inTraditional events like Lai haraoba , polo and horse races,
  • they were also utilised as mounts by cavalry of the Manipur Kingdom which was feared throughout upper Burma during the 17th century,
  • 
• Threats : Shrinkage of wetlands, rapid urbanisation and encroachment; restriction of pony usage except in the game of polo; uncontrolled diseases; and the exodus of ponies to neighbouring states
• Steps : The Manipur government declared the Manipuri Pony as an Endangered Breed in 2013.

MPLADS Scheme 

Why in news?

• In the last 10 years, Delhi’s MPs have not utilised the funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme.

What is MPLAD Scheme?

• Introduced in: September 1993.
• Funded by: Central Sector Scheme (Wholly Government of India).
• Annual Entitlement: 5 Crores.
• Objective:Enable the MPs to suggest and execute developmental works of capital nature.
• Funds Utilisation:LS members can recommend works within their Constituencies.
  • Elected Members of RScan recommend works within the State of Election. 
  • Nominated Membersof both the houses can recommend works anywhere in the country.
• Administration:Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
• Implementing Authority:District Authority under DC/DM/Commissioner (Municipal)
• Areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe: At least 15 percent of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for SC & 7.5 per cent for areas for STs.