Thimphu, Feb 18: Three pilot projects on scientific
research will be set up in Bhutan under the auspices of SAARC
with financial assistance from India.
A MoU to this effect was signed yesterday between
Bhutan's acting Foreign Secretary Daw Penjo and Indian
Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhir Vyas. The projects are expected
to take off by mid this year.
Under the agreement, a shuttle breeding on pulses or
scientific research in producing new improved high yielding
varieties of pulses for SAARC member states and the seed
testing laboratory will be set up either in Yoesepang in
Thimphu or Bajo in Wangduephodrang.
The rooftop rainwater harvesting structure will be set
up in Zumbabee village in Sarpang district.
"The projects will strengthen the existing breeding
programmes for pulse improvement, seed quality and testing
facilities in the country," Director of SAARC Division of the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sonam Tshong said.
The proposal to implement such projects in the
agriculture sector was made by India, during the 14th SAARC
summit held in New Delhi in 2007.
India will finance and provide training facilities
required to implement the projects while Bhutan will provide
the infrastructure and manpower.
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 00:00