Agriculture minister visits south-eastern districts

Thimphu, February 18, 2009: Agriculture Minister Dr. Pema Gyamtsho completed his tour to south-eastern district last week with the view to get first hand information on living standards and agricultural practices of the farmers. 

On February 10, he visited Changchey village in Goseling geog under Tsirang district and talked with local shopkeepers about the policy of the RNR Sector which emphasizes on the need to increase production, enhanced accessibility and improved marketing of the agricultural products so as to improve local economy. 

He asked the farmers to increase production for sale and raise pigs, jersey cows rearing, fish and poultry farming and assured technical assistance from the government.

Minister in Dekiling, Sarpang

On his way to Sarpang district, the minister talked with Berti Community Group in Zhemgang, which is funded by East Central Region Agriculture Development Project (ECR-ADP) since November 2007.

The Berti project, planned with a financial assistance from City Council and the Protestant and Catholic Congregation of Adiswil/Zurich, was jointly developed by the Dzongkhag RNR sector, Zhemgang and the ECR-ADP with technical support from Helvetas for improving the agriculture and livestock sector. 

In Wangdue Phodrang district Minister visited Phobjekha, Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park and Gangtey and inquired about status of black necked crane in Phobjekha.

In Gelephu under Sarpang district he visited Gelephu Entry Gate on February 9, met with BAFRA official at the gate and visited the bird flu controlling initiatives. 

The minister also traveled to Dekiling geog of the district the same day and met people in Bhur where he asked people to invest their energy in agricultural production. He also visited Tsirang district to see the agricultural activities.