There are approximately 67 tonnes of pork contaminated by the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus stored in three cold storages in Phuentsholing. Usually any contaminated pork is carefully disposed away by the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), but the pork importers requested BFDA consider alternatives to the disposal. According …
Read More »Addressing citrus fruit drop issues in Pemaling Gewog: Solutions and plans
Pemaling Gewog in Samtse is facing a significant challenge as fruit drop rates has increased dramatically, impacting the livelihood of local farmers. Agriculture extension officer, Dechen Lham, who has dedicated 10 years to working in the region before a transfer to Haa and subsequent return, reports that fruit drop has …
Read More »FAO launches USD 83M Country Programming Framework
On 15 May 2024, the Prime Minister (PM), Dasho Tshering Tobgay, officially launched the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) for 2024–2028 at the Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum. The strategic document, developed collaboratively between FAO and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB), aligns closely with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan …
Read More »Farmers in Pemaling Gewog, Samtse struggle against persistent fruit drop
Samtse’s orange orchards, once the largest orange-producing region, is now battling a relentless enemy known locally as “Jaruwa” or fruit drop. This pervasive issue, caused by the citrus/chinese fruit fly known scientifically as Bactrocera minax (Enderlein) threatens the orange farmers’ livelihood, yet they remain steadfast and hopeful despite the odds. Heran Chettri …
Read More »The PEMA initiative takes mental health forward
May is Mental Health Awareness Month Despite the absence of definitive studies on the causes of mental health conditions within the nation, The PEMA Secretariat acknowledges the global recognition of the multifaceted nature of mental health issues. With this understanding, the country has integrated mental health components into its National Health Survey …
Read More »Contractors cite cost and reliability as their preference for foreign workers in Bhutan
There is a recent debate going on that skilled TVET graduates are not getting an opportunity to work, despite the Ministry of Industry and Employment (MoICE) seeking to have a balance of both foreign and Bhutanese workers. There is a persistent dispute that the contractors favour foreign workers. Contractors The …
Read More »Thimphu Thromde notification spurs public outcry and call for action plan amidst water shortages
Following the release of a notification by Thimphu Thromde on 24 April 2024, addressing the lean water flow season and potential water shortages in Thimphu, a surge of comments from the public ensued, expressed grievances and concerns. In response, Thromde officials provided explanations regarding the situation and their current actions …
Read More »Taktichu bridge inaugurated and open to traffic
On the 24 April 2024, the newly constructed Taktichu bridge along the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway was officially opened to traffic, offering a vital lifeline for commuters. The inauguration ceremony was jointly presided over by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Chandra Bahadur Gurung, and the Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Sudhakar …
Read More »Wobthang Organic Wonders farm to turn into high end apple orchards
It is a known fact that the Wobthang Organic Wonders (WOW) faced hurdles due to higher transportation costs and its inability to penetrate the local market. During the 3rd Meet-the-Press session held yesterday, the Prime Minister (PM) Tshering Tobgay said that the wait is finally over, as the government has …
Read More »Why NCHM could not predict the hailstorm in Tsirang
The recent hailstorm wreaked havoc on the agricultural sector in Tsirang, adding to a series of extreme weather events that have affected Bhutan this year. The hailstorm struck on 10 April, causing significant damage to crops and leaving locals grappling with the aftermath. In February, the country was under the …
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