The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests announced that the Agriculture Machinery Center (AMC) in collaboration with Bhutan Standard Bureau (BSB) organised a two day workshop to discuss and to create awareness on farm machinery standards on power tillers on 24th and 25th December. The event was chaired by Sonam Phuntsho, Director General of Bhutan Standard Bureau.
The two days workshop was conducted with an objective to educate on agricultural machineries, tools and to draft a national standard by Technical Committee (TC-08) members to develop a common understanding among suppliers and customers.
The TC-08 members will work to formulate the Bhutan National Standards in the area of mechanical engineering products and services. It will also look into adopting international, regional and other national standards suitable to Bhutan.
Mr. Hiroyuki Takahashi; Expert, AMC highlighted the importance of official testing of agricultural machinery as to eliminate poor quality products and to secure labour safety and hygiene and to promote environment conservation and energy.
The TC -08 members presented a draft national power tiller standard which included verification of structure standard, safety standard, engine power standard, operation standard including noise, vibration, parking brake and service brake standards and the water proof standards. The members also stated that the inspection and test of farm machines, post harvest machines and the implements has been carried out.
During the second day Dr. Shinichi Kitaoka, President of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) accompanied by delegation team, Lyonpo Yeshey Dorji and senior officials from the Ministry visited the demonstration test of the power tillers.
