Consumers across the country are now able to buy chilli at a comparatively reasonable price. This is after the agriculture ministry allowed vegetable vendors to import the spice directly from across the border last month. The ministry initiated a time-bound import for three months in January to meet local demand for chilli. The Food Corporation of Bhutan was importing and distributing the spice to local vendors. However, the corporation stopped importing chillies due to high pesticide content last month.
The vegetable vendors began importing chillies on March 23. The Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority have so far allowed vegetable vendors to import close to 140 metric tons of chillies.
Of it, around 10 metric tons were rejected due to high pesticide content. BAFRA officials test the samples for chemical content at various entry points.
“if the samples test negative, it means the pesticide content is below the MRL. So, the consignment is cleared for import. If the sample tests positive, then the consignment is rejected from the point of entry and the importers are asked to send the consignments back to India,” said Sonam Yonten, Plant Focal of BAFRA.
The vendors are also required to follow the ministry’s standard operating procedure for the import of safe green chillies. They will have to take the responsibility to send back the consignment if it is not safe for consumption.
“The ministry has made it clear that we will allow the vendors to import chillies on there if they show the consignment to BAFRA officials at respective entry points to test chemical contents and take the responsibility to return the consignment if it contains a high amount of pesticides,” said Agriculture Minister, Yeshey Penjor.
The vendors also have to sign an undertaking letter with the ministry stating that they will only supply chillies that are safe for consumption.
“We are allowed to import so long as the pesticide content is within the permissible limit. We can sell it conveniently. It is also benefiting the consumers as the price is reasonable,” said Kunzang Gyeltshen, a vegetable vendor.
Both vendors and consumers welcomed the move.
“It is a convenient move for both vendors and consumers. The price is reasonable,” said Dendup, representative of vegetable vendors.
“It is reasonable to allow the vendors to import and sell. We had to pay a minimum of Nu 550 per kilogram until the vendors were allowed to import themselves. Now, we can purchase the spice for just Nu 150,” said Kinley Pem, a resident of Thimphu.
The agriculture minister said that individuals importing chillies without informing the BAFRA officials will be penalised as per the law.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
