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AGRICULTURE SECTOR |
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Current Situation:
Currently the Dzongkhag has a total length of 34.77 Km of farm road in the four Geogs excluding the ones constructed through public initiative. This has greatly enhanced the movement of both farm produce to reach the market and delivery of farm inputs to the farms. Irrigation channel of about 6.2 Km is constructed and rehabilitated 11.932 Km in the 4 Geogs benefiting 122 House holds and 238 House holds respectively enhancing the productivity of the land.
Objectives and Targets:
The overall objective of the Sector would be guided by the Ministry of Agriculture’s policy of achieving food security in the country and to enhance rural cash income of the farming communities.
Key Strategies:
Agriculture development in the Dzongkhag would be guided by the RNR Triple Gem concept of enhancing Production, improving Access and facilitating Marketing of farm produce to achieve the Ministry’s policy of achieving food security and to enhance rural cash income of the farming communities.
Production strategies:
1. Marshy land and fallow areas heavily infested with deep rooted grass Yushina spp. would be reclaimed and made fit for crop cultivation by improving drainage and clearing the fields with Yushina spp. infestation.
2. The production of crops would be focused in potential Geogs in a sustainable manner through supply of HYV seeds on promotional program and appropriate technology would be made available to the farmers.
3. Organic farming would be promoted in the potential villages through integrated farming systems. IPM approach will be pursued through use of resistant crop varieties, bio-pesticides, biodynamic principle and cultural practices.
4. The establishment of farm machinery hiring unit in the Dzongkhag would address farm labor shortage, increasing productivity and improving the status of farming profession through mechanized services of special farm operations on subsidized rate to the farmers.
5. Intensifying construction of irrigation channels to increase productivity of the land.
6. Continuously updating the farmers knowledge of farming through trainings, on farm demonstrations and study tours.
Strategies to improve access:
1. Construction of farm roads and power tiller tracks will continue for those villages which don’t have one. Construction of these roads shall be guided by the farm road guidelines. Private initiatives for farm road construction shall also be encouraged through providing earth moving machinery on subsidized rate and fuel basis.
2. The Sector shall coordinate supply of agriculture inputs; provide right seeds and seedlings to farmers on crop promotional programs at appropriate time of the season.
3. The access to information by the farmers and extension staff shall be improved by investing in ICT tools and facilities at the RNR Centers.
Marketing strategies:
1. Farmers group formation would be encouraged and supported in the areas of processing, packaging, product development and promotion, transportation and marketing of produce to maximize economies of scale and to improve bargaining power.
2. Development of market infrastructure and market intelligence in close collaboration with the relevant agencies of the government and private sector.
3. Production of high demand, low supply off-season vegetables and marketing to neighboring districts. Establishment of Sunday Market or RNR Farm shop for bringing direct contact between producers and consumers in the town to reduce price spread.
Constraints:
1. Lack of marketing infrastructure and information for the farmers. Thus major junk of the profit goes to middleman.
2. The short growing season for attaining crop maturity is further worsening by erratic fluctuation of day and night temperature coupled by untimely rainfall.
3. Crop damage by wild boars.
4. Dumping of excessive chemical fertilizers for potato crop there by deteriorating the soil health and long term sustainability.
Staff strength as of June 2007
1. Kinley Dorji- Dzongkhag Agricultural Officer
2. Jigme Wangchuk- Asst. Dzongkhag Agricultural Officer
3. Nita Tamang- Asst. Extension Officer
4. Wangda Dukpa- Agriculture Supervisor
5. Delma- Asst. Extension Officer(Chumme Gewog)
6. Lobzang- Asst. Extension Officer(Tang Gewog)
7. Sangay Wangdi- Asst. Extension Officer(Ura Gewog)
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