The Regional Seed Centre in Jangchephu in Trashi Yangtse has raised citrus saplings and is ready for distribution. This is the first time the centre raised citrus saplings since its establishment.
The centre says each sapling will be sold at Nu 35.
It is not very common to see citrus seedlings being raised due to citrus greening, a plant disease that is wiping out orange trees in the country. But the Jangchephu seed centre has raised about 40,000 seedlings.
No chemicals were used and the plants will be tested for citrus greening before supplying it to the farmers.
“Earlier tests have not shown disease prevalence but we will do another test to ensure the seedlings are disease free,” said the centre’s Regional Manager Lobzang Tshering T.
“In case, the test result comes positive, we will not supply it. Instead, the saplings will be destroyed.”
Citrus greening is found mostly in the southern districts. “So, we want to stop the spread of the disease by supplying seedlings from here,” Regional Manager Lobzang Tshering T added.
Citrus is also usually grown in the country’s sub-tropical regions, lying about 1,200 metres above the sea level. Trashi Yangtse is 1,800 metres above the sea level. But the Jangchenphu seed centre is hoping everything will go well.
Besides citrus, the center supplies hybrid peas, zucchini, radish and fruit seedlings. There are also plans to raise quinoa, finger millet and Urka Bangala, a local chili, seedlings.
