2nd March 2018, Gasa:
Yesterday at Hotel Tashi Yoedling, the MoU for 2018 season was signed between the buyers (Taj Tashi, Terma Linca, Fu Lu Shou, Pedling, Galingka, Ariya, Tashi Yoedling, San Maru, Rochog Pel, Chuniding Foods) and seller (Gasa Rangshin Sanam Detshen) for this season. This is the second year of the contract marketing for organic vegetables from Gasa. 
Gasa Dzongda shared with the meeting that it is a matter of concern that still the stakeholders who matter are not yet convinced on the importance of this initiative. He said this with reference to the absence of media (Bhutan Times joined later) and some others at the event despite having been informed and requested. He informed that BBS actually told him that this event is not important and therefore not worth covering. 
So why this initiative is important?

Given our country still struggling to increase farm production; reduce food and agri imports; and increase small farmer’s income thereby leading to self reliance, the importance of this initiative cannot be emphasized enough as enumerated below:
First, helping the small farmers to find guaranteed markets for their produce. Today, lack of guaranteed markets for farm produce is one of the biggest if not the biggest bottleneck in taking our agriculture production to next higher level.
Second, this is a pioneering initiative as it is actually trying to do something concrete in taking the National vision of converting our country into organic farming from policy to the real world.
Third, the private partners (buyers) are making some business sacrifice to be part of this programme – the group calls it “Corporate Nation Building Responsibility”.
Fourth, this initiative has relevance the national goals and therefore it’s not just about Gasa Dzongkhag and the partner Hoteliers. 
Gasa Dzongkhag expresses gratitude to all the partners and special thanks to Tashi Yoedling Hotel for generously hosting the event. Thanks to Bhutan Times who joined the event later. Thanks to DAMC of MoAF for their great support.