Korean delegation in country to assess Korea-funded project
November 27, 2009: A delegation of the Jinju National University (JNU) from South Korea is currently in the kingdom for updates on the Korea-funded projects in Trongsa.
Demand for green tea is increasing
The Korean team during its visit in 2008 identified Samcholing under Drakten geog in Trongsa as a potential area for the expansion of green tea cultivation.
After the study conducted during first visit, Council of RNR Research of Bhutan submitted a proposal for financial assistance from Korean government under Focused Village Rural Development (FVRD) project.
The five-year project, integrated into 10th five year plan, proposes for green tea production, horticulture plantation and livestock rearing with the provision of social infrastructures development targeting thirty households.
In the first year of its operation with USD 25, 000/- budget, the project focused on green tea production. In April 2009, green tea processing equipments like roller, sealing machine and roasting pan were installed in the community. Te project also has prepared processing house, nursery, fencing and farmers training.
The USD 158, 000 project aims to develop a model demonstration village with integrated activities, develop a demo tea garden for income generation through agro-tourism, provide self-employment opportunities to school drop outs, formation of farmers group for production and marketing, and study the socio-economics impact of such interventions, ministry of agriculture said.
The project also eyes on mushroom farming, human resource development, awareness and documentaries in future.
An update report of the project table to the Korean team mentions that it helped farmers to increase their income by six times.
The delegates visited project site on November 25 to assess the tea growing areas which spans in thirty acres land.
The Korean team that is currently in Thimphu includes Dr Jo Won KIM, President of JNU, Prof Dr Jineshang Choi, Project Manager, FVRD and Ms Choo Ja KIM