To strengthen horticulture development plans, and expand and stabilise farm operations to meet the market demands in the country, the Horticulture Association of Bhutan appointed 18 crop ambassadors for over eight districts, yesterday.
The crop ambassadors will guide and assist the farmers in their respective field.
With the appointment of the 18 crop ambassadors, farmers will no longer have to physically go and sell their agriculture products. They can now directly contact the crop ambassadors who will guide and assist them.
“Appointing crop ambassadors will have a lot of benefits. To layout a few of their responsibilities, they will interact with farmers and those interested in agricultural work and ensure support to farmers. For instance, if we talk about chilli, everyone involved in chilli cultivation will work under the ambassador. There is also a marketing team in every district to guide farmers to market their produce,” said Tshering Wangchuk, the President of the Horticulture Association of Bhutan.
One of the chilli crop ambassadors said they are focusing on growing chillies to bridge the gap and ensure swift supply in the country.
“The Horticulture Association is developing various plans and measures to cultivate chillies to overcome the shortage for the consumers. We will also encourage farmers to focus on growing more chillies. It is very important to store chillies in the cold storage and supply during the offseason. As a chilli ambassador, I will work hard and bring an end to chilli problems within one to two years,” said Kinzang Wangdi, the Crop Ambassador for chilli production with the Othbar Mountain Horticulture in Punakha.
Horticulture Association of Bhutan, a Non-Government Organisation was formed in 2018 to represent and safeguard the interest of farmers in Bhutan. Meanwhile, the association also launched a website, www.hoab.org.bt to disseminate information on horticulture.
Kelzang Choden
