The Food Corporation of Bhutan, FCB, will import those vegetables which cannot be substituted from within the country on an interim basis. This was decided today after the Prime Minister met with the local vegetable wholesalers and retailers in Thimphu.
The vegetable vendors and retailers requested if they could be given the opportunity to import vegetables rather than allowing only the FCB. The reason, according to them, is because they have a lot of experience as most have been in the business for long.
“If given a chance we would be in a position to maintain the quality of the vegetables along with affordable price,” said one of the vendors.
To this the finance secretary said, like in the past FCB would not be given cash to buy vegetables but would have to go through proper banking channel for the purpose of Rupee management.
Prime Minister said they should not only look at making profit but also think about how country would benefit in the long run with the change in system. Lynochhoen added that they should all come together to help promote local farm produce and strengthen the economy.
Meanwhile, the vegetable vendors will not be provided demand draft for Rupee to import vegetables by first week of June.