BAFRA conference begins in Paro

Paro, June 04, 2009: The ninth annual gathering of the Bhutan Agriculture Food and Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) has begun at Hotel Zhiwaling, Paro on Wednesday where Officers In-Charge of the BAFRA Dzongkhag Offices, Plant and Livestock Quarantine Offices, City Service Office, leaders of the plant, livestock and food core groups are taking part.

Minister of Economic Affairs (extreme right), Secretary of Agriculture (centre) and Attorney General (extreme left) Photo: Choidup Zangpo

The three-day conference will discuss the status of implementation of the resolution taken last year, evaluate present progresses and achievements and formulate strategies for future. 

National Biodiversity, Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency, Department of Public Health and Department of Forest will make presentation at the conference about the progress in implementation.

Minister for Economic Affairs Khandu Wangchuk inaugurated the opening of the conference, attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Sherub Gyaltshen, Attorney General Rinzin Penjo, Paro Rabdey Lam Neten and Officer-in-Charge of the RBP among others.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Wangchuk appreciated BAFRA’s efforts for the daunting task it undertakes in ensuring food safety and hygiene for the well being of all the Bhutanese both in term of health and economic point of view.  

Stating that healthy food leads to healthy population which in turn leads to positive economic development, Wangchuk said BAFRA’s role encompasses two pillars of the Gross National Happiness (GNH) – environmental protection and economic development.