April 22, 2020:
The Agriculture and Forests Minister’s visit in Gasa
This Morning, Gasa is honored with the presence of Minister of Agriculture and Forests, Hon’ble Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor. Mejay Lyonpo escorted by officials from MOAF and Regional FCB was here to assess and advice on the preparatory measures undertaken by the Dzongkhag relating to, among other things, assurance and availability of essential items and commercial farming as we make efforts to stay ahead of spread of the virus. After offering prayers in Gasa Tashithongmoen Dzong, Lyonpo met with relevant sector and regional heads. MPs of Gasa Dzongkhag and LG leaders are in attendance. Lyonpo said that it is high time and wise as well for us to convert the challenges into opportunities and consider substituting the imports with the produce from our own motherland.
To boot, he advised us to conceive sensible land management conducts for farming along with considering the conversion of the barren areas. Amongst the highlights, Lyonpo briefly explained on new initiatives underway for assurance of marketing opportunity, value chain of products and insurance scheme related to marketing opportunities.
In addition to the brief overview of CSI banks by hon’ble minister, Mr. Tshewang Tashi, planning officer from MOAF illuminated the whole idea and type of ‘CSI bank for people’ to the audience. He said, “we began welcoming the applications for CSI banks from people in video call in order to reduce the turnaround time and the hierarchical process”. The CSI banks is an answer to individuals and interested cooperatives who are held back with financial shortage to start up commercial farming.
The official from regional FCB imparted detailed information on the status of adequate essential food commodities held in-reserve at Gasa which would be enough for the next 4-5 months for her people.
As an information, Dasho Dzonda shared the initiatives undertaken by the Dzongkhag as we combat the COVID-19 pandemic. On top of the vegetable gardens maintained by almost every individual residing here, Dzongkhag Zhiyog lamten Dumra for civil servants, Gomo Lhatshog Dumra by Gasa Dratshang and other cooperative vegetable gardens (let alone further expansion of vegetable farming by the people) are one of the many initiatives assumed by the Dzongkhag in order to contribute in self-sufficiency visions.
Towards the end, the team clarified all the hesitations on various matters from the floor. Lyonpo and the team left to visit Punakha after the lunch.We are grateful for all the words of wisdom and delighted by Lyonpo’s visit.
Kadrenchay la.
P.S: For detailed information on CSI bank, kindly visit www.csibank.bt
