In a build-up to achieve 100 per cent organic nation status by the year 2035, the National Seed Centre in Paro launched seven organic seeds on 14th July.
The seeds are quinoa, buckwheat, beans, chilis, ginger, turmeric, and asparagus. Production for these seeds began some two years ago.
The seeds were produced on previously uncultivated land and without using any chemical fertilizers. Today, there are over 200 organic seed growers registered with the National Seed Centre.
This year, the centre supplied close to 8000 kilograms of organic seeds across the country.
“If everything goes according to plan, we have the opportunity not only to supply within the country but export the seeds as well,” said Rinzin Dorji, the secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests.
The secretary also added interest in organic agriculture is increasing every year and that the first focus should be seed production.
The National Seed Centre started organic seed production during the 2019-2020 financial year with support from the National Organic Flagship Programme.
Bhutan had a deadline to achieve 100 per cent organic status last year, which the ministry missed.
Namgay Wagchuk, Paro
Edited by Sherub Dorji
