The agriculture ministry plans to export vegetables from Gelegphu and SamdrupJongkhar after the Indian government decided to allow the import of chilli, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, peas and soybean from Bhutan through the Plant Quarantine Station at Jaigaon since yesterday.
Plant quarantine is to prevent pests/pathogens from spreading to protect agriculture should they get introduced in a country.
The interim arrangement between the two governments is expected to facilitate unhindered exports of these vegetables to the Indian market. About three hundred metric tonnes of cabbage have been collected from the farmers.
“Though the Indian government allowed us to export these vegetables, we cannot start immediately since Phuentshogling is under lockdown. But we are exploring other routes such as Gelegphu and Samdrup Jongkhar. We are hoping that the situation in Phuentshogling will improve after the second jab. The importers of India are ready and the Food Corporation of Bhutan along with other private exporters are prepared to export,” said agriculture minister Yeshey Penjor.
Phuentshogling is under lockdown since 9th July for two weeks.
Now, Bhutan would be able to export 14 agricultural products to India. The minister said the interim arrangement will be formalized in about two months.
Kinzang Lhadon
