The Thimphu Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) has asked the National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC) to supply herbicide to farmers on time. The issue was raised by the Ge-nyen Gup.
On the first day of the DT yesterday, Ge-nyen Gewog’s Gup, Karma Gyeltshen questioned the centre for the delay in the supply of herbicide this time.
“We did not receive the potato herbicides on time this year. And villagers had no other choice than to opt for the herbicides imported from the neighbouring countries. But according to BAFRA, usage of such herbicides can be toxic and can affect our health as well.”
In response, the representative from the NPPC said the delay in the supply of herbicides was due to the introduction of a new government procurement system.
“It was a new technology and we were all new to this system. That’s why we failed to supply herbicides to around seven districts on time,” Phuntsho Loday from NPPC, said.
However, he added it is not yet too late for the application of herbicides popularly known as Mitribuzin can be used in two phases.
“For the pre-application, we have to apply the herbicides before and in the post-application, we can apply the herbicides after the actual plantation,” Phuntsho Loday said.
The DT meeting also requested the farmers to avoid illegal buying herbicides and other pesticides.
