The National Assembly rejected most of the recommendations made by the National Council on National Budget Financial Year 2020-2021 report, including the need for a cold chain to link farms to market.
Although the National Council appreciated the government for allocating Nu 80M for the construction of cold stores, the Council had recommended the establishment of a cold chain including a provision for refrigerated vans to maintain the quality of farm produce for a longer period.
Only 12 members of the National Assembly supported the recommendation.
Panbang MP, Dorji Wangdi who supported the recommendation said that the refrigerated van would benefit the farmers. “As the farmers in remote areas have less quantity of farm produces and the market is far away, they cannot sell their produce and earn accordingly.”
MP Gyambo Tshering of Bardo-Trong constituency also spoke in support of the recommendation. “After harvesting the produce, the farmers bring it to the market, and the leftover can be stored in the cold storage so that they can sell it in the coming week.”
MP Garja Man Rai of Sergithang Tsirang Toed also requested the government for subsidised cold storage facilities.
Lyonpo Yeshey Penjor, the Agriculture Minister, said that during summer the higher altitudes can supply the produces to the lower altitude, and during winter, the farmers in lower altitudes can supply their produce to higher altitudes.
“If such a market is established, there isn’t an urgent need for cold storages for now,” Lyonpo said.
MP Ugyen Wangdi of Dramedtse Ngatshang, said that if the government could maintain and use the exiting cold storages. “ I don’t see the need to set up cold storages in every Gewogs and Dzongkhags.”
The National Assembly also rejected the Council’s recommendations on allocating mines to State Mining Corporation Limited (SMCL) until the Mines and Mineral act is amended. NA also rejected the commissioning of an independent third party to study unresolved issues at Punatshangchhu Hydropower Project I.
National Council’s recommendation on making Endowment Fund for Crop and Livestock Conservation operational to compensate the farmers affected by wildlife was also rejected.
Tshering Zam/ Sangay Chezom
