Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority or BAFRA officials are specialised in different disciplines such as food, plant, and animals. However, when officials are transferred and go for training, it affects public service delivery. Aimed at solving such issues, the headquarter office is providing integrated training to about 23 officials from different regions in Mongar.
After the training, one person can provide all the services related to food, plants, and animals. The training, the first of its kind in the country, is familiarizing the participants with various aspects of plants, animals, and food, which are the vital components of biosecurity and food safety.
Biosecurity is a measure that prevents the introduction and spread of harmful organisms.
According to the BAFRA’s Head of Plant Division Sonam Dorji, they are familiarising the participants on import and export of plants and their products, meat, and processing import permit.
“Due to many food establishments in the districts, we are challenged with a workforce shortage. So after the training, an official can provide three services at a time,” he said.
Similarly, participants said after the training, they will become multi-skilled through which they can provide timely and efficient service to the public.
One of the participants, Dorji Lhamo, said the training will help them cater different services such as plant and animal biosecurity, besides food safety and promotion services to the public.
Meanwhile, BRAFA will provide similar training to its colleagues in Samdrup Jongkhar, Phuentshogling, and Gelephu.
Sonam Tshering, Mongar
Edited by Chayku
