Oftentimes months of hard work go down the drain. It is the usual situation most farmers in the country find themselves in. According to the Kengkhar-Weringla MP, this cycle of distress the farmers are into is because of poor marketing policies. He said the government should change the current marketing system and recommended making the import and export policy precise.
The Member of Parliament of Kengkhar-Weringla in Monggar, Rinzin Jamtsho, said the government and everyone worked hard during the difficult times to be food self-sufficient. He said the farmers toiled to achieve this, but they were left disappointed without a good market in the end. To address this, he moved the motion to amend the agricultural marketing strategies and the export-import policy.
Most of the members supported the motion.
“I feel people are not able to market their seasonal crops and vegetables due to lapses in policies and plans set by the government,” said Norbu Wangzom, the Jomotshangkha-Martshala MP.
“Currently, in Samtse, a kilo of ginger costs Nu 15 but in Thimphu, with the amount, we won’t even get 250 grams. We should formulate and review the guidelines well,” the Phuentshogpelri-Samtse’s MP, Ganesh Ghimiray said.
The Bongo-Chapcha MP, Tshewang Lhamo, said the government should also promote niche markets. A niche market is a specialised market for a particular product.
“I have heard from my friends that a bundle of asparagus from Bhutan cost around Nu 900 in Mumbai. We should aspire and work towards finding niche markets,” she said.
Some members of parliament also raised concern over the government’s buy-back policy.
“When I asked people about the buy-back policy, they say the transportation charge is exclusive of it,” said Tshering Chhoden, the Khar-Yurung MP.
Agriculture Minister Yeshey Penjor said the ministry has already developed the strategy and is available on its website.
“Also, an incentive scheme for market production, which is the buy-back policy, is a policy not just to come in during extreme times. It is policy to provide an option to our people whether they want to sell it privately or sell it to the government. So this is in place,” said Lyonpo.
Lyonpo also added that an agriculture trade discussion with India to discuss marketing agriculture produce was done recently.
With 33 yes votes from 41 members present and voting, the House passed the motion.
Tshering Dendup
Edited by Sonam
