PM inaugurates the IAT Farm and Landscape Greening Project

Coinciding with the International Day of Happiness, Prime Minister Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay inaugurated the Integrated Agriculture Technology Farm (IAT Farm) at Wangsisina under Mewang Gewog, Thimphu on March 20, 2014.
Thanking the civil servants and corporate employees assembled, Lyonchhen said that this initiative would contribute substantially toward fulfilling the 11th FYP objective i.e. economic self-reliance and people’s selfsufficiency in agricultural produce. Lyonchhen further added that the launch marks the ascent of GNH and shows our dedication and loyalty to the noble practices moralized by our beloved monarchs.
Speaking at the event, Lyonchhen said that this farming initiative provides a very good opportunity for families to come and work together, which will not only be beneficial but also impart a rich farming experience. Lyonchhen informed the gathering that parks and playground for children would also be established soon at the farm.
Meanwhile, Lyonchhen said that this farm would also act as a demonstration farm through which people from other dzongkhags can learn and practice the same in their villages.
IAT farm is a new concept of an PM inaugurates the IAT Farm and Landscape Greening Project integrated approach to promote vegetable farming using organic farming mechanisms.
A total of 85 plots have been made available for use by civil servants and corporate staff alike for a year’s time. In totality, an area of 28.30 acres has been identified for organic vegetable farming and assorted fruit cultivation.
Later during the afternoon, Lyonchhen also launched the Landscape Greening Project of Thimphu Valley at the Thimphu City Gate. The Green Bhutan’s project is dedicated to His Majesty, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo King Jigme Singye Wangchuck on the occasion of His Majesty’s 60th Birth Anniversary.