NEWSLETTER A bi-monthly publication of the Ministry of Agriculture & Forests RNRVol. XXXII Issue No. 145 www.moaf.gov.bt July-August 2012 Inside ’s flora diversity richer by one

3rd Council Meeting more plant for RNR Research Ugyen Tshering/ICS Photo by , NBC Wildlife Sanctuary (SWS), National biodiversity Centre (NBC), Wildlife Conservation Division (WCD), and two visiting scientist Stig Launching of the English–Dzongkha bi- Dalstrom and lingual dictionary of RNR Thomas Hoeijer terminologies by the Hon'ble during their recent Minister, MoAF orchid expedition Pg 4 in Merak and Sakteng. Stig Dalstrom Street Theatre Show/ is a botanical Drama on Food Safety illustrator, an experienced orchid The new record of Bulbophyllum species taxonomist while Thomas Thimphu, 20 June 2012: encountered in Sakteng Hoeijer works at The Earlier this month, the record Wildlife Sanctuary. Bergius Botanical garden, of Barn Owl entered the The new record of Stockholm. His interest is in ornithological database of Bulbophyllum species a tropical plants with a focus Bhutan as new species of new Orchid plant never on orchids and aroids. bird in the country. Now recorded in the Country According to Ngawang couple of weeks later, it is was chanced upon by Gyeltshen of the biodiversity section of WCD, the Artist performing at the yet another entry with new 7-member team consisting of Clock Tower, Thimphu record of Orchid species representative from Sakteng epiphytic Bulbophyllum was Contd. on page 2 Pg 6 Second RNR Off-site Meeting Trapped wild boar rescued Ugyen Tshering/ICS discuss and finalise the zero address, His Excellency said draft 11th plan of the RNR that when planning for the Paro,12-13: The second sector for submission to the 11th FYP, we should come annual RNR Off-site Gross National Happiness up with clear strategies meeting attended by Commission and to discuss in terms of how, where Hon’ble Lyonpo, Dasho key and emerging policies and when the plan would Secretary and all heads of and strategies. be executed. Lyonpo also departments and agencies The two-day Off-site informed that the government with representation from meeting was chaired by had already decided the all the key decision makers Trapped Wild Boar the Hon’ble Minister for theme for the 11th FYP to be was held successfully at Agriculture and Forests, “Rural prosperity and urban Pg 13 Hotel Zhiwaling in Paro. Lyonpo (Dr.) Pema wellbeing.” The meeting was held to Gyamtsho. In his opening Contd. on page 2 2 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER Bhutan’s flora diversity richer by one more plant Contd. from page 1 Orchids of Bhutan by Dr. remains largely unexplored gradient. Field data were D.B Gurung, College of and those areas especially collected using Trimble sighted at 27ᵒ23’ 55.847’N Natural Resources, Bhutan inaccessible to human are Juno SC handled GPS using and 91ᵒ48’00.518’E at an was done. yet to be explored for high data dictionary with basic altitude of 1792masl. The But as of now, the team significance biodiversity,” He information of the site and sighting was made in the could only determine the said. “WCD will place strong the species. warm broadleaved forests genera of the orchid as focus in 11th FYP in new The same orchid survey inside the designated orchid Bulbophyllum. When asked species documentation.” team also accompanied the trail. The location in which what will be done further, The orchid survey in SWS Biological Corridor team the new sighting was made Ngawang responded, “We’ll was carried out beginning and trekked from Nahi is also part of Jonkhar be doing further expert 23 May this year basically in Wangduephodrang till Community Forests. determination which will as part of Biodiversity Dochula in Thimphu. Live “We could instantly help us pinpoint the species inventory for enhancing samples and herbarium of determine in the field itself of the new orchid.” He went orchid conservation in the the undetermined species that it was a new record,” on to say that because of lack sanctuary. The park so far during the exploration Ngawang said adding of such data, the distribution has recorded 55 species of was collected to grow in that it was done with the of this particular orchid in Orchids prevalent in their Royal Botanical garden two experts in the team. the world is unknown. jurisdiction. It increased to and National Herbarium at However, further literature WCD Chief Forestry 68 species with addition of Serbithang for identification review of referring to Officer, Sonam Wangchuk 13 more species from the and preservation. Orchids of Bhutan by N.R. said that there are many orchid exploration survey. So far, Bhutan has Pearce and P.J. Cribb, Royal opportunities for recording The team used existing recorded approximately 370 Botanical garden, Edinburgh, of new species of both foot trail as transect line species of Orchid excluding UK published in 2002 flora and fauna species in without defined interval the one recently documented and another publication of the country. “Bhutan still along the altitudinal by the team. Second RNR Off-site Meeting Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS

Hon’ble Lyonpo, Dasho Secretary and heads of departments and agencies

Contd. from page 1 of their individual eleventh In the recent past, RNR that not only concerns the His Excellency added five year plan. After each sector has made tremendous Ministry but also reflects that the RNR sector presentation, the discussion progress towards fulfilling the interest, expertise and primarily responsible for was held whereby the house these mandates. experiences. The initiatives rural development will commented and suggested The second RNR off-site will be given the renewed have to take on a heavier on the plan in order to make meeting has been convened impetus to help RNR sector responsibility. “So, we have it better. at a critical stage when the realise its objectives and goal to come up with new and Ministry reviews the past in the next FYP. innovative ways of dealing According to the press 10thplan and at the same Organised by the Policy with challenges,” he said. release by the Policy and time conceptualises the new and Planning Division of the During the next two days Planning Division (PPD), the 11th plan for the sector. Ministry, the second RNR of the meeting, different RNR sector is mandated to In the 11th plan, the press Off-site meeting was held departments and agencies help alleviate rural poverty, release mentions that the in Hotel Zhiwaling in Paro under the Ministry of ensure food and nutrition Ministry of Agriculture and just as the first RNR Off-site Agriculture and Forests security and contribute to Forests (MoAF) is taking on meeting which was held presented on their zero draft sustainable rural livelihood. board a number of initiatives from 9-10 June last year. RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 3 Bhutan’s first Woman Dzongdag

Ngawang Pem, the Chief officer in Home Ministry’s Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS Human Resource Officer of administration and finance the Ministry of Agriculture division. From 1995 – 1997 and Forests has been she has undergone Indian appointed as the Dzongdag Administrative Service (governor) of Tsirang course (IAS) at Lal Bahadur Dzongkhag, making her the Shastri National Academy of first woman Dzongdag in the Administration (LBSNAA) country. in Mussoorie, . She She received her completed her Master’s of appointment from Public Policy (Development His Majesty on the Administration) from recommendation of the Australian National Prime Minister, Lyonchhen University (ANU), Canberra Jigmi Y. Thinley, based on in 2006. On returning in nominations of the Royal 2006, she served as the Chief Civil Service Commission Human Resource Officer in as per Article 2, section 19 the Ministry of Home and (q) of the Constitution of the Cultural Affairs for four Kingdom of Bhutan. years. In July 2010 she was From Kanglung in transferred to the Ministry of Trashigang, Ngawang Pem Agriculture and Forests and graduated from Sherubtse served as the Chief Human College with a Bachelor of Resource Officer prior to Arts degree in 1993. She her present appointment as joined the civil service in Dzongdag. February 1994 as a trainee Ngawang Pem, Dzongdag, Tsirang Bhutanese student bags Medal of Academic Honour

Ugyen Tshering/ICS with 79.22% and also won Nepal and Vietnam who are a total of six Bhutanese the proficiency certificate pursuing undergraduate as students studying,” Nima Nima Norbu a Livestock award in the academic year well as masters’ degrees in Norbu said in his email personnel has received 2004. Upon completion of other faculties. Besides, the response. a Medal for Academic his training from there, he university also has students The medal was awarded Honours from Maejo had served under Chukha from , Taiwan and by university president University in Thailand for Dzongkhag in remote places Indonesia who are there commemorating Teacher’s excelling in his studies in the like Lokchina, Dungna and for internship program or Day on 28 June 2012. undergraduate program by Darla in the interest of the under the student exchange According to him, he says topping GPA (Grand Average public and nation. During program. that hard work never betrays Point) 3.54 in his major of his 7 years tenure as an When asked about the and receiving such an award studies in the academic year extension agent, he had number of Bhutanese always encourages him to 2011-2012. initiated many livestock students in the university, take extra pains in working Nima, who used to activities benefitting farmers “With two more in other hard. be working under the in cash income generation. faculties, the university has Department of Livestock, In an email interview, Ministry of Agriculture and Nima Norbu said he availed Forests, is undergoing a a consumer loan from the Passion fruit seedlings for sale Bachelors degree in Bank of Bhutan to upgrade Science majoring in Dairy himself. “Upgradation has in Bhur Beef production at Maejo become very necessary High quality passion fruit seedlings (10,352 numbers) are University. Prior to joining with Position Classification available for sale at the rate of Nu. 10.0 per seedling at the the present university, he system.” NSC Regional Farm in Bhur in Sarpang Dzongkhag. had completed a diploma The university has in Animal Husbandry from international students from For details please contact: the College of Natural many countries like China, 08 271465/62 (Paro) Resources, Lobyesa, Philippine and Japan, 77191515 (Bhur) Punakha. He topped the class 4 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER 3rd Council Meeting for RNR Research

Karma /ICS Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS backstopping the research been developed through system. development projects and not He added that some of necessarily through research the key tasks that CoRRB system. And yet they are should undertake include existing in the field and being the creation of a research used by the farmers. These fund which can be made technologies should therefore available to conduct need- be collated, screened and based research, particularly cosolidated for wider of thematic or strategic application and replication. nature. He also suggested The meeting concluded to initiate the process of with the official launching plough-back mechanism of CoRRB’s website, release to fund research for certain of English–Dzongkha commodities. For example, bi-lingual dictionary of Launching of the English–Dzongkha bi-lingual dictionary some percentage from the RNR terminologies, release of RNR terminologies by the Hon'ble Minister, MoAF income of Cordyceps sale, of vegetable availability tourism, hydropower, potato calendar and pictorial map of Thimphu, July 30: The progress of the Council growers could be ploughed RNR products. The Hon’ble 3rd RNR Research Council Secretariat for fiscal year back into the research fund to Lyonpo also handed over the meeting was held at the 2011-12, seek endorsement support research. Eventually cash prize of Nu. 10,000/- Ministry of Agriculture and on the 2012/13 work-plan of such a mechanism should for best article in the 7th Forests (MoAF) Conference the Secretariat and to seek lead to making RNR research volume of RNR Journal Hall. His Excellency Lyonpo feedback on CoRRB’s 11th sustainable and self-reliant. to Ms. Kuenzang Choden, (Dr.) Pema Gyamtsho, who is FYP framework. In order to make the Sr. Research Officer from the President of the Council, Speaking at the opening research meaningful CoRRB. Two new members, chaired the meeting. The of the council meeting, the and client oriented, the Secretary of the National meeting was held to apprise Hon’ble President remarked council suggested to create Environment Commission the members of the actions that CoRRB plays a very an inventory of all the and the Director of Research taken on the 2nd Council important role in achieving technologies, available in and External Relations, meeting’s resolutions, the goals of the RNR sector the field in various forms. Royal University of Bhutan present updates on the through its facilitation and Some technologies have also joined the meeting. CoRRB attempts to demystify herbal garden and floriculture practices for school teachers CoRRB opening remarks stated that The teachers who attended wrong techniques and the idea for such training “to the course were either the “wondering why the plants promote herbal gardens in “Focal Nature Club or the they put in the schools didn’t Thimphu, 2 – 5 July 2012: schools” is based on a joint Focal Agriculture Teacher” grow”. The intention of the The Council for Renewable initiative by ICIMOD/Nepal in their respective schools. training is that the teachers Natural Resources Research and CoRRB. The training which was create awareness and impart of Bhutan (CoRRB) The Director stated remarked as being very some of these basic skills and initiated a four day crash that “herbs, especially informative and useful by knowledge to their students. course training for school medicinal plant resources are the teachers emphasized The CoRRB hopes that teachers on herbal gardens increasingly becoming more on aspects such as school as a result of this training, at RNR-RDC Yusipang and important in society but are greening by imparting skills, the schools will partake on floriculture at National in the danger of becoming a knowledge & provision in the annual competition Biodiversity Centre (NBC), scarce resource as they are of basic tools to assist the which will be coordinated Serbithang. The training was being over harvested from teachers to initiate herbal by CoRRB to showcase their financially supported by FAO the wild, thus cultivation of gardens as well as to enhance activities and efforts in order Bhutan office, with technical herbs and medicinal plants their existing floral gardens. to enhance the awareness on assistance from RNR-RDC, is becoming imperative. Some teachers were happy herbs and gardens in schools. Yusipang and National Training on Floriculture is that they learnt the right The efforts we feel should Organic Programme. also being imparted as it adds techniques to propagate eventually culminate in a The Director of CoRRB, to the aesthetic value of the plants vegetatively as till more greener, healthier and a Dr. Tashi Samdup in his school campus.” now they were using the happier school. RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 5 Technology Release Committee of CoRRB releases 8 varieties of crops and fruits CoRRB management practices for RNR sector after a thorough in their specialised inputs in health and nutrition of scientific scrutiny. reviewing and screening all etc). The committee The committee meeting the proposals and released The 16th Technology specifically establishes was attended by TRC two varieties of maize, two Release Committee (TRC) and adopts procedures members and a few special varieties of avocado, two meeting was organised by the for release of variety and invitees from relevant varieties of litchi, one variety Council for RNR Research management packages and Departments and Central of pear and one variety of of Bhutan (CoRRB) on 22 other technologies. It also agencies. The meeting plum. One variety of rice, June, 2012. The Technology scrutinises and endorses the was chaired by Dr. Tashi persimmon and mandarin Release Committee variety release proposals and Samdup, Director, CoRRB. proposed were kept on hold coordinates and conducts submits to the National Seed Eleven proposals were since they did not have the the release of new varieties, Board with recommendation received from RNR-RDCs complete data required as per field and horticultural crops, for endorsement. The for review and screening. the variety release format. fodder and management main function of TRC is Out of eleven proposals, However, these varieties will packages (e.g., crop to facilitate the release of three were field crops while be reviewed in the next TRC nutrient management, varieties of crops, fruits and eight were horticulture meeting after the required integrated pest management, other technologies of the crops. The committee gave information is complete. Inception Workshop for FAO-TCP on Food Safety Kinley Tshering/ICS of a reliable food control who specifically came driven by the government system including food safety for the project initiation, with active involvement of Thimphu, July 20: Bhutan policy, standards, risk based informed that specifically other stakeholders namely Agriculture and Food inspection and awareness of after the establishment of producers, processors, Regulatory Authority various stakeholders through World Trade Organisation transporters, service (BAFRA) in collaboration development of training (WTO), the demand by suppliers, consumers, etc. with Food and Agriculture manuals and promotional both governments and She also shared information Organisation (FAO) of the materials. The inspection consumers for food quality on similar projects being United Nations conducted system will address major and safety is increasing. With carried out around the Asia an Inception Workshop of food safety concerns like the food production chain Pacific region on food safety. FAO-Technical Cooperation microbiological and chemical increasingly getting complex, The discussion was chaired Project on “Strengthening hazards. she stressed the need to by the Executive Director of Food Safety and Standards In her remark to the have adequate controls BAFRA and was attended by in Bhutan” at Jambayang participants, Dr. Shashi along the food chain to Assistant Representative of Resort on July 20 2012. The Sareen, Senior Food Safety guarantee food safety to the FAO, Bhutan, officials from Hon’ble Secretary of the and Nutrition Officer of FAO consumers. She emphasised the various departments/ Ministry of Agriculture and for the Asia Pacific region, that food control needs to be ministries and BAFRA. Forests, Sherub Gyaltshen, presided over the opening Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS session. The objective of the workshop was to initiate the implementation of the project as well as to discuss and finalise the work plan and identify the priorities in relation to sectors to be taken up to strengthen the food safety. The project, which will be carried out with financial support from FAO over a span of next two years, will primarily focus on the establishment Dasho Sherub Gyaltshen with the participants 6 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER Street Theatre Show/Drama on Food Safety

Penjor/ICS In view of the food safety being fairly a Awareness raising is the new concept in Bhutan, keystone to ensure better it was felt that the food safety at least for adoption of Street Photo by Penjor, ICS Photo by Penjor, the party highest in the Theatre Shows to reach food chain. Therefore, to the message across to create better awareness the general public would and disseminate educative be an effective means of information on food safety, communication since it the Bhutan Agriculture & had direct involvement Food Regulatory Authority with the target (BAFRA) in collaboration audience. The central with Information and objective of initiating Communication Services this programme was (ICS), Ministry of to generate awareness Agriculture & Forests amongst the food (MoAF) initiated and producers, caterers and conducted a Street Theatre consumers (Public in show on “Food Safety” with general) alike about the financial support from the importance of producing World Health Organisation and consuming safe food Artist performing at the Clock Tower, Thimphu (WHO). for healthy living. The show was successfully The forty five minutes communicate and educate wider dissemination of the conducted in the six street theatre show revolved the food traders/operators programme. Dzongkhags of Wangdue, around the theme, “Food to comply with the RNR Coinciding with the Mongar, Sarpang (Gelephu), safety is a collective Acts, laws and regulations concluding show at clock Chukha (Phuentsholing), responsibility” showing and deal only with source tower on 30 June 2012, the Paro and Thimphu from 20 how an active tripartite foods that are safe for human Hon’ble Secretary of the to 30 June, 2012. Gaseng collaboration among the consumption. The public Ministry of Agriculture & Audio Visual (Gaseng AV), government regulatory were educated to observe Forests; Director Generals of a private firm, was awarded authority, food traders/ good food hygiene and good Department of Livestock and the contract as per the annual producers and consumers manufacturing products. Department of Agriculture; tender call by ICS and their is essential to ensure food A film/documentary Executive Director, BAFRA; professional team consisting safety. The show highlighted movie of the show is being and the Program Director of several trained and famous the significant role that each made in DV format to be of the Information & artists performed the shows need play in ensuring food distributed to BAFRA offices Communication Services at the above mentioned safety. at major/minor entry points, witnessed the show. venues. Efforts were made to districts and towns for HRDP-JICA / RDC Wengkhar conducts hands on training on fruit thinning Domang, RNR RDC thinning for this year’s pear and persimmon. Peach marketing later in September Wengkhar mixed fruit demonstration harvesting techniques and and October, 2012. by orchard owners on care were also demonstrated. Participants were also As part of the ongoing 21 – 22, June 2012. A The training will be provided with winter HRDP-JICA program on total of 16 orchard owners followed up with application vegetable seeds to initiate systematic training and from Samdrupjongkhar, of skills in their respective integrated vegetable and fruit establishment of orchards Trashigang, Lhuentse and orchards in the coming cultivation in their orchards, in the project sites, the Mongar attended the training. years when their orchards an approach promoted by project team based at RNR Participants were exposed start fruiting. They will the project for efficient RDC Wengkhar organised to both theory and practical attend their next course on utilization of land. a hands on training on fruit sessions on fruit thinning of post harvest, packaging and RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 7 Egg production going big for Dopshari farmers

Tshering Doma/ICS lot. She has been earning twice a day a packet of feed down as the community more than Nu. 7000 a (50 kg) lasts only for three members stood against the Paro, July: Few farmers month through the sale of days which cost around Nu. killing business. in Dopshari under Paro eggs excluding the cost of 1045. ‘The feed is getting Although, Shari farmers Dzongkhag have started feed and other expenses. expensive day-by-day. If the are still not ready to go for taking up poultry farming According to her, the poultry concerned officials could this, the livestock officials as a source of income business is not only about help them on this, it would are trying their best to create generating activity. Shari going for meat purpose; reduce their huge expenses,’ positive impacts among is a geog with five chiwogs one can earn a good profit she stated. them. They are planning to and out of more than even through eggs. Another Each household has encourage more farmers to three hundred and thirty farmer, Aum Bida who owns a minimum of fifty to a take up poultry farming for households around 20 around 50 birds is also in the maximum of 150 laying their better livelihoods and to farmers are now rearing same business to produce birds. To start with, the achieve food self-sufficiency poultry. eggs both for personal use as day-old-chicks such as in the future. ‘This will be As of now, Shari farmers well as for sale. Rhode Island Red birds were done through the group have been engaged mostly They sell the eggs at supplied from the Regional formation and necessary in livestock and agriculture Nu. 130 a dozen to the Poultry Breeding Centre in management support,’ said farming, earning income nearby hotels and schools. Paro. The officials monitored the officials. good enough to sustain their Sometimes, they also market the birds from time to time In the meantime, the livelihoods. According to their eggs to Thimphu when with vaccination to prevent farmers are kind of worried Prem Giri, the geog livestock there is a demand for local diseases such as New Castle, about what they will do once official, farmers till now eggs. With the business foul fox, gumburoo etc. They the birds stop laying eggs. were not interested in the doing well, they are now also advised on the proper According to a spokesperson, poultry business due to successfully self-employed management of sheds. the birds’ production strong religious sentiments. and this has also helped them According to sources, capacity goes down after ‘The community is still to improve their nutritional there had been a broiler farm attaining 18 months of age. strictly against killing. Few value. in the geog till 2011 which ‘After that, the bird will start farmers now in the business When asked about the used to supply meat to the laying egg on alternative are those intending to go farming issues, the concern local market. The farm did days and stop gradually,’ he only for egg production,’ he they expressed was about the not survive and were added. added. Karma feed that they forced to shut One of the poultry bought from an owners among them is Aum agent. Aum Chencho, who is in the Chencho said business since that feeding June 2011 with birds around 130 birds. She has taken up poultry farming as a part time job which is benefiting her a 8 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER Study carried out on prevalence of Bovine subclinical mastitis in Dop Shari Tshering Doma/ICS Development Centre- alcohol after which the milk nails, no proper removal of Paro, July 16: A study was Tsimasham, Chukha along samples were collected from cow dung and no cleanliness carried out to find out the with the geog in-charge of all four quarters of the cows. maintained at shed. All prevalence of subclinical Dop Shari initiated the study The test was conducted by this negligence led to the mastitis (SCM) in cattle on SCM after detecting some mixing an equal quantity infection of mammary gland belonging to the members of the symptoms in cattle. of milk sample and CMT which helped the emergence of the Shari Lhothen Omgi These included presence of reagent in a plate and was of SCM. Tshogpa (SLOT) in Dop clots in milk, udder swelling, kept for 3-5 minutes. In order to prevent a Shari, Paro Dzongkhag. heat, pain and indurations As per the result, of the similar outbreak in the SCM is the initial stage of mammary gland with the 444 milk samples collected future, the members of mastitis (inflammation of presence of leukocyte cells in from 111 milking cows of have been encouraged an udder) which gradually milk etc. SLOT, 56 samples were to improve all aspects of develops into chronic According to livestock found positive to CMT. This management level which mastitis which turns out officials, the disease, if it proved that the subclinical will be monitored thoroughly to be risky for milking turns chronic, could cause a mastitis was present in the by the livestock officials. cows. It is caused by a serious economical losses to geog. They immediately It is expected that such bacteria comprising mainly the group hampering their treated all the positive cattle management will reduce streptococcus agalacteria, milk production capacity, with specific antibiotic and the incidence of SCM in staphylococcus aureus one of the main sources of prednisolone intra-mammary the geog and including other causes like income. Thus, to ensure that infusion. It took around enhance fungi and protozoa. their cattle were free from four to five days to cure the better milk Although, most of the SCM, the officials took up disease. The cattle are now village cows are known the study in a well designated free from SCM. to be endemic to SCM manner. According to officials, the as confirmed with the The disease was diagnosed outbreak of SCM was occasional outbreak report through tests such as white due to poor hygienic from the field, no proper site test, California mastitis practices adopted study has been carried out so test (CMT) and cell count. At by the owners such as far. Therefore, as part of the first, the teeth and udder of failing to wash hands routine laboratory analysis, the cattle were cleaned with and udder before and the Regional Livestock a piece of cotton soaked in after milking, keeping long production. Waste prevention and Management Regulation

NRED, DoFPS participants from Tsirang and Dagana Forest Range offices Dzongkhag and Geog-Wise Nature Recreation and attended the workshop. Ecotourism Division The participants also Farm Road Maps Available (NRED) in collaboration discussed about the Waste with Forest Protection Prevention and Management Online and Enforcement Division Regulations which came The following farm road maps and documents are now and Tsirang Territorial into effect from 18 April available online: Forest Division under the 2012 with special emphasis • Farm Road Atlas of Bhutan 2012: Dzongkhag-wise Department of Forests and on Chapter VI which the Farm Road Park Services (DoFPS) Department is mandated • Farm Road Atlas of Bhutan 2012: Geog-wise Farm organised a one day Waste for implementation and Road- Volume I Prevention and Management strategies developed by the • Farm Road Atlas of Bhutan 2012: Geog-wise Farm sensitisation workshop on 2 Department to apply the Road- Volume II July this year. Regulations. The workshop • Report on Digital Mapping and Validation of Farm The Waste Prevention and concluded with a closing Roads, DoA, MoAF Management sensitisation dinner for all the participants. • National Inventory of Farm Roads as of June 2011 workshop was organised Funds for the workshop were for the staff under Tsirang made available through the Please visit www.moaf.gov.bt Division where about 45 NRED programs. RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 9 Shari Lhothen Omgi Tshogpa performing well in milk business

Tshering Doma/ICS group members dropped price is Nu. 35 per litre. In the meantime, more down to twenty-five only. According to Mr. Giri, a farmers are stepping forward Paro, July 16: Under the At that time, the livestock livestock official of the geog, to join the group for which technical support from the officials in the geog played the group produces more they are required to pay Department of Livestock, an important role and helped than 8,600 litres of milk in a Nu. 200/- as a registration farmers in Dop Shari under to retain the group. With month. “However, the milk fee. They believe that it is Paro Dzongkhag have their effective involvement, production goes a little down much easier for them to sell formed a milk producing the group is now back during winter due to shortage their milk through the group group known as Shari Omgi on the working track and of fodder,” he added. as they need not go around Lothen Tshogpa. The group performing well. At present, The group deposits their looking for a market and has been formed mainly the group has fifty members monthly profit in a bank. As other related issues. to help them earn a steady and is run by a chairman, of now they have savings of This group formation has income through the sale of secretary and an accountant around Nu. 2,00,000/-. They significantly improved the milk and to achieve milk cum milk collector. The are planning to use their socio-economic status of the self-sufficiency. officials monitor them savings to facilitate cattle milk producers in Shari. The Dop Shari is a geog with from time to time with all and households loans for the group has also registered five chiwogs and more than the technical backstopping members at a low interest in with the Department of three hundred and thirty that also looks after their the future. Agricultural and Marketing households. problems. According to Mr. Giri, Cooperatives (DAMC) in The tshogpa was formed Each member has three to the group had once faced February 2012 as one of the in 2004 with fund support fifteen jersey cattle which are difficulty in functioning due farmers cooperatives. from the Wang Watershed either bought by themselves to lack of proper training Besides cattle rearing, Management Project or on a loan basis. on group management. He farmers there also practice with forty-eight members The group collects an feels that the training such as agriculture and poultry agreeing to produce milk average of 450 litres of milk book keeping and exposure farming. The geog has the and sell through the group at everyday which the members through the study tour will be highest number of jersey a reasonable price. To start bring to a collection point in very helpful for the members cattle, according to officials. with, the project provided Shari. The milk is then taken in order to make them them with milk cans, testing to an agent at Hongkong understand about benefits of equipments, milk churners market in Thimphu for sale. group formation. etc. along with a vehicle to The farm gate price for deliver the milk. However, milk is Nu. 35 per between 2004-2010, the litre and their group lost some market of their members due to its poor functioning and the 10 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER Understanding gender and knowledge management indicators Tshering Doma/ICS roles and behaviours of out group activities to certificate to work further on Thimphu, July 18-20: men and women with equal prepare strategy and action gender activities,’ he added. The market Access and treatment for both.’ During plans for gender and KM. The team is also planning Growth Intensification the workshop, participants As of now, both countries to have leadership capacity Project (MAGIP) under the from both countries shared do not have any documents building training for female Ministry of Agriculture and experiences and issues on this. They also identified farmers mainly to encourage Forests (MoAF) with the related to gender and KM. KM indicators. According them to take part in decision technical assistance from One of the participants to a spokesperson, in terms making activities in the near the International Fund for from Afghanistan said that of IFAD funded projects, future. Agricultural Development although our priorities Bhutan and Afghanistan are Gracing the closing (IFAD) conducted a are to promote equal almost at same level with ceremony, Hon’ble Dasho three day workshop on opportunities for both men similar goals i.e. to reduce Sherub Gyaltshen, the ‘Integrating gender and and women, there is still poverty. Secretary for MoAF said that knowledge management a vast gender issues in the Although, the development gender and KM at national (KM) for enhanced project country particularly due of strategy and action level is a serious concern performance’ at Hotel to lack of education and plans for gender and KM which we need to address Migmar. economic rights. ‘Women in was emphasised by IFAD and create awareness among The workshop was our country are not allowed in 2010-2011, due to lack citizens. Hon’ble Secretary organised mainly to create to work outside home and of expertise it was not also informed the floor awareness on gender and are still forced to wear veil. incorporated in earlier about the upcoming gender knowledge management This is something where we phase of MAGIP. With the conference in October this and develop strategy and would like to bring steady timely organised workshop, year that will bring more action plans that will be improvements,’ she added. the team is now able to positive interaction on this incorporated in the project. From Bhutan, SNV, the understand about the gender subject. Dr, Vincet Darlong, the technical collaborator of and KM indicators and Around twenty five Country Program Officer MAGIP shared some of the how to frame the required officials from SNV, non- for Bhutan and Ms. Judith, findings from their recently strategies for this. governmental organisations the Gender, Social Inclusion completed gender based According to the Project and MoAF attended the and KM Officer (also the study in Samdrupjongkhar. Coordinator, ‘We will soon workshop. They were resource person) from IFAD The study was carried out work on formulating the awarded a certificate for along with a team from to analyse poverty and to strategy and action plans their active participation Afghanistan were in Bhutan understand gender power for this with the assistance by Hon’ble Secretary. As to discuss further on this. relation focusing on the from SNV which will be the concept was new to The Chief Guest for the decision making power at small, flexible and easily many of the participants, workshop was Mr. Dorji the household level. As per achievable.’ ‘The draft they expressed that the Dhradhul, the Director the survey result, decision documents will then be workshop provided them of the Department of was mainly led by men and distributed to project an informative platform to Agricultural and Marketing there was not a single female steering committee and other understand about the gender Cooperatives. Inaugurating leadership in power. stakeholders for comments. and KM which will be of the workshop, he said that The team from MAGIP Later it will be submitted great help in carrying out although the policy at the and Afghanistan also carried to IFAD for no objection their job roles. national level states there should be no discrimination against women, this has not been implemented at the ground level where women participation is still found less. ‘As such, it is encouraging to witness lot Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS of institutions coming up to look after this issue,’ he added. According to Ms. Judith, ‘Gender refers to culturally based expectations of the Mr. Dorji Dhradhul, Director of DAMC with the participants RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 11 Establishment of a CBSLM in Mongar to Combat Desertification Chokey Nima and Domang, Agriculture and Forests. The options were carried out. up semi commercial RNR RDC Wengkhar DYT (Dzongkha Yargay Audio and video program vegetable farming and Tshokchung) Chairman of materials were distributed. supply vegetables to the RNR Research Development Mongar Dzongkhag, Pema In addition, fruit plants Gyelpozhing Higher Centre (RDC), Wengkhar, Dorji graced the day as Chief and vegetable cropping Secondary school on Mongar Dzongkhag Guest representing the DYT was also initiated prior to contract. The intensification and farmers of Drepong and the Dzongkhag. the campaign during the of vegetable production observed the World Day This CBSLM was cultivation season thereby to meet the demands of to Combat Desertification launched with a land combining both soil semi commercialisation and Land Degradation management campaign in erosion control measures can be benefitted with the on 17 June 2012 by which were present about and effective utilisation of establishment of CBSLM. establishing a Community 135 participants representing land through cropping as a Earlier, two poly-houses Based Sustainable Land RNR RDC Wengkhar, measure to manage land for constructed by using Management (CBSLM) Mongar Dzongkhag RNR sustainable utilisation. local materials were also initiative covering 10.45 Sectors, Geog Administration As part of the CBSLM, a established for raising off acres of sloppy dry land of 10 geogs of Mongar collective management and season vegetable seedlings. belonging to 16 farmers Dzongkhag, Regional RNR utilisation of drinking and The CBSLM site shall of Laptsa Shingkhar and Offices, Geog RNR Offices irrigation water was also now serve as a pilot Bainangree tso under and the community led by initiated. A total area of 1 demonstration for other Drepong geog, Mongar. This the Gup of Drepong. km2 water catchment was villages and a site to carry was achieved with support Prior to the land revived through plantations out on farm research on of the World Bank–GEF management campaign, with a collection tank and sustainable land management supported Sustainable Land a four days training on proper fence put in place. options. The sites will be Management Project (SLMP) establishment of SLM The CBSLM members monitored later by the based at the NSSC (National technologies during which who are also vegetable and farming systems research Soil Service Centre) at contour lines were prepared. fruit growers supported sector of RNR RDC Semtokha, Department of Exposure and awareness on through other development Wengkhar, Dzongkhag and Agriculture, Ministry of sustainable land management programs have taken geog extension.

Researchers at UWICE raise two species of Bhutan Glory larvae

UWICE puparium within the first two weeks of August. A full Caterpillar larvae of two rare descriptive life cycle study species of Bhutan Glory or paper is expected soon. Swallowtail butterfly have Currently, Bhutanese and been raised to their pupal Japanese researchers are in stages by researchers at the study area to find its pupa UWICE (Ugyen Wangchuk in the wild. The study on Institute for Conservation this endangered and endemic and Environment). It is now species (B. ludlowi) begun understood that these species in August 2011 involving require one year to complete the Wildlife Conservation their life cycle. Caterpillars Division, Bumdeling of this species over winter Wildlife Sanctuary and enter into larval diapause. UWICE from Bhutan, and The caterpillars at present Butterfly Society of Japan Pupae of LBG: Ludlow’s Bhutan Glory (Bhutanitis are in their pupa stage. and NHK (nippon hōsō ludlowi); BG: Bhutan Glory (B.lidderdalii) The adult butterflies are kyōkai; Japan Broadcasting expected to come out of their Corporation). 12 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER UWICE begins study on Bhutan’s national animal

UWICE that we can use science to be collared in the next field immobilization and guide its conservation. It season to increase sample animal handling went very A team of researchers from is important that we know size to better understand smoothly. Immobilization the Ugyen Wangchuck what threats exist for the recruitment, mortality and and veterinary animal care Institute for Conservation survival of the Bhutan . population trends. The Max services were provided by and Environment (UWICE) Long term monitoring of the Planck Institute in Germany, the Wildlife Conservation has successfully radio- animals will be carried out in the University of Montana Division of Department of collared four Bhutan collaboration with JDNP and (UM)/Wildlife Conservation Forests and Park Services (Budorcas taxicolor whitei) other parks. Society (WCS) and the and the Smithsonian in their summer habitat in The first two collared Bhutan Foundation provided Institution. Preliminary Jigme Dorji National Park males were named Drukpa radio collars and other samples were processed (JDNP). This will help Kuenley (DK) and Ngi telemetry equipment to the with the help of the National provide crucial data on Dasho (ND). The former project. Centre for Animal Health. their movement, migration is a tribute to the 14/15th The Bhutan takin is one of As an important pathways, population century Buddhist teacher four global takin sub-species Bhutanese-led research dynamics and behavior. in honor of the belief that (the others are Mishmi takin, on our national animal, In addition, blood, fecal attributes him as the creator Szechuan takin, and golden UWICE seeks to invite other and tissues samples were of the takin. The latter takin) and is found only Bhutanese institutions to collected to check for disease signifies the independent in Bhutan. They inhabit partner and further support and parasites, and to provide spirit of the Layap people in the forests and valleys the project. It is hoped that DNA for further analyses. addition, two females were of northern Bhutan from Bhutanese funding agencies According to the prinicipal also collared. The state- upper Paro, Thimphu, Gasa, such as the Bhutan Trust investigator, UWICE faculty of-the-art radio collars will Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa Fund would support this member Tiger Sangay, this help researchers identify and and Bumthang. important endeavour. The is the start of a long term track individuals both in their As the national animal, present phase has been study to better understand summer as well as winter every precaution was primarily funded by the our national animal so ranges. More animals will taken to ensure that the Bhutan Foundation. Photo by Athinut, ICS

Takin at the Motithang Takin Preserve RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 13 Trapped wild boar rescued

Ugyen Tshering/ICS that such animals are very rushed to the site. “The case that human-wildlife conflict unpredictable and the risk was reported early in the in the Dzongkhag is not Forestry Officials of of rescuer falling victim morning and we were on our uncommon. They said it Bumthang territorial division themselves could not be way by 6:30 am,” Kinzang is mostly the wild pig and successfully rescued and ruled out. Gyeltshen told ICS. Himalayan black bear that released a wild boar on 6th “We requested other The bear was found comes in conflict with the of last month. The wild boar organizations in the to be snared in its right communities. “Even last was found by the officials area such as Wangchuck hind leg. The bear was year, we had atleast three caught in a trap set in Centennial Park (WCP), successfully off-snared by cases of cattle mauled by Jalikhar village in Bumthang. Ugyen Wangchuck Institute using tranquilizer and safely Himalayan black bear,” According to the officials, for Conservation and released back in the high said Dhendup Tshering, a man from the village on Environment (UWICE) forest. Chief Forestry Officer of that day approached the and Veterinary Hospital Meanwhile, Bumthang Bumthang forest territorial forestry office seeking permit Bumthang.” Unfortunately forestry officials also said Division. for poles. Since the area the one in UWICE having fell within the municipal the expertise and equipment Photo by Nima Gyeltshen,, Bumthang boundary, the officials went was engaged in research to verify the genuine usage activities. of the poles. “That’s when With not much of we encountered a wild boar resources at their disposal, caught in the trap,” said the officials had to resort to Nima Gyeltshen, a forest use of orthodox method of ranger. rescue. “We used hexoblade The trap he added was set to cut the cable and was able in the periphery of the land. to successfully release the “Two wheelers’ clutch cable boar,” said Nima Gyeltshen. was used for setting trap,” However, according Nima said. to Kinzang Gyeltshen He also said that the wild of Wildlife Rescue and boar was found very much Rehabilitation Unit (WRRU) alive struggling to set itself they were not informed about free. However, without the case. “We otherwise the proper expertise and remain ever ready to respond equipment, the officials were to such calls,” said Kinzang. not very confident how to go For instance, WRRU about with rescue operation. rescued a snared Himalayan “We did not have any black bear in Chumey, tranquilizer equipment and Bumthang in May last year. without one it was risky for Upon the receipt of the report us,” said one team member by Sangay Penjor, a forest of the rescue team adding ranger at Bumthang, the team The trapped wild boar

Ornamental Plants for Sale

High qualities of the following ornamental plants are available at the National Seed Centre, Paro for sale at minimal price. Only limited stocks available!!!

Sl.No. Commodity Original Price (Nu) Revised Price (Nu) Stock Quantity 1 Azalea with clay pot 150/seedling 75.00 2060 nos 2 Orchid with clay pot 200/seedling 60.00 1280 nos.

National Seed Centre, Post Box # 1251, Chundudingkha, Paro Phone # +975 08 271462 ; Mobile # +975 17645472; Fax # +975 02 271206 14 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER A tiger victim’s spouse speaks of the tragic day…

Ugyen Tshering/ICS a white jacket, a cell phone started worrying as “it was than the lively Ap Tsagay, in the pocket and gumboots usually the time he should be what they encountered was Trongsa, 29 July: Amongst on his legs, he went alone coming home for lunch.” a lifeless body lying in a flat the crowds of people seated looking for his lost bull. He Still not fully convinced position by the edge of a on the ground of Bjeezam least suspected anything that anything bad had small clearing. Primary School during the tragic would happen in the happened, she patiently “I couldn’t believe he was celebration of global tiger forests and rather expected waited for his return. Slowly dead,” Aum Lemo said, tears day last Sunday, listening to come back with the bull the sun disappeared behind filling up her pitiful eyes. ardently to the speeches by leading their way home. the horizon but still there She shook him and cried the officials was Aum Lemo, Two hours into the forests, was no sign of him. Trying desperately clinging by the aged 40 from Dorji Geonpa he still could not trace the to reach him through his cell dead corpse. But there was in Trongsa. She has taken bull and decided to give his phone proved futile since it no coming back. He was a seat at the second last wife a call. “Sometime at was switched off. long gone. row with a Rachu dangling 9 AM, he called me to tell That is was when the His arm had been by her shoulder. he was still looking for the worry severely injured and along But amongst the bull.” Aum Lemo recollects. with a broken neck, he lay She suggested he keep peacefully dead within a communities looking or return home. pool of blood. Aum Lemo gathered there, Almost towards the name ‘tiger’ midday, around itself reminds six hours her of a brutal and in gruesome past. Two years ago on August 1, 2010, for the family of seven became headed by late worse. Taking along his Ap Tsagay of father Ap Pangla, brother Dorji Geonpa the forest, there Lhendup and a neighbour, in Trongsa, it was neither a call Aum Lemo, the four of them was like any from him nor had went looking for him. She other day for he returned home. A said that they had chanced them. Their worried Aum Lemo tried upon his footprints along the daily routine calling him. But to path and kept following it. consisted her utter surprise, his cell By then it was getting dark mainly of was switched off. and they still could not manage to find him.

“However, They started shouting out his attending to the daily I was still not surprised nor name only to be answered remembers that his white domestic chores of a farm was I worried,” she told ICS by an empty echo bouncing jacket had been removed household. It was nothing in an interview. She assumed back from the thickets. They and one of his gumboots was unusual to lose a bull who innocently that he might plodded on with more and dislodged. In all likelihood, they suspected had ventured have dropped by his father more worries dawning upon a Royal Bengal Tiger had deeper into the forests who lived a few kilometres the ‘search and rescue team’. mauled her husband to death. looking for greener pastures. below their house. Few hours into the A man so much alive that Early that fateful morning A few hours later his lookout, his father suddenly morning was a dead corpse at 7 AM, Ap Tsagay decided father Ap Pangla came to shouted, “he’s here!, he’s in the evening having fallen that his bull had been gone their house on his way to here!” The remaining victim to a wild animal itself long enough and needed the forest to extract coal. members of the team rushed at risk of extinction. to be herded back home. She asked him if he has seen to the scene. What they Dangling a patang (a big Tsagay around. He had not. witnessed at the scene sent Contd. on page 15 knife) by his waist, draped in It was then that she truly a chill up their spine. Rather Illustration by Ayumi Yonebayashi, ICS RNR NEWSLETTER July-August 2012 15 International Day of Cooperatives

Chencho Gyeltshen/ICS realise the full potential of of the Cooperative July 2010. the cooperative movement Movement throughout the The Director of the Thimphu, July 7: Starting and to acknowledge the world. Department of Agricultural this year Bhutan has joined support they have received Ever since the farmers Marketing and Cooperatives the global community in from all the stakeholders and group and cooperatives (DAMC), Mr. Dorji observing the “International partners. was launched by Dhradhul, said that Day of Cooperatives” every The cooperative Hon’ble Minister of although the Cooperatives saturday of the first week movement across the globe MoAF on 11 October (Amendment) Act was of July. This year Bhutan is challenged with the task 2012, the Department of endorsed lately the observed the day for the of alleviating poverty and Agricultural Marketing Department has worked hard first time with congregating hunger through union of and Cooperatives (DAMC) in raising awareness about relevant officials from efforts, understanding, and have completed registration registering Cooperatives and various agencies including sharing amongst small and of 15 cooperatives and 95 Farmers Groups and there Hon’ble Minister and marginal sections of the farmers groups across the are many numbers applying Hon’ble Secretary of the world. The importance of country. The launching for registration. Ministry of Agriculture cooperatives was signed off of the cooperatives was The participants have and Forests (MoAF), at the Rio+20 Conference made possible based on the planned to hold the Managing Director of wherein nations from across Cooperative (Amendment) upcoming conference to Bhutan Development the world acknowledged the Act of Bhutan, 2009 and observe the day in another Bank Limited (BDBL), the importance of cooperatives Cooperatives Rules and Dzongkhag next year. representative’s members of for agricultural development, Regulations of Bhutan of Photo by Choidup Zangpo, ICS forty Farmers Groups and jobs and poverty reduction. Cooperative groups from all Hon’ble Lyonpo (Dr.) around the country to discuss Pema Gyamtsho, Minister developing the way forward of MoAF, informed the in cooperative movements. participants that the day The theme of the day for will be celebrated not for this year was adopted as official purpose as usual “Cooperative Builds Better but as the Cooperative and World.” Farmers Groups day and it The actual purpose for lies in their hand to develop observing the day is to the cooperative movement. remind members that they Hon’ble Lyonpo also have a long way ahead to emphasised the importance Hon'ble Minister, MoAF speacking to the participants

A tiger victim’s spouse speaks of the tragic day… Contd. from page 14 in the deepest realm of her the victim to deliver ‘semso’ called for a Zomdhu and mindfulness. in both cash and kind. She Woola, I cannot do it alone Since then she has been requested ICS to convey her especially since I have Slowly after realising beneficiaries of numerous deepest gratifications to all other equally attention- that there was nothing compensations and who supported her through starved domestic works.” much they could do, solidarities. She received condolences. “Money cannot Suddenly, the Master they arranged to retrieve ‘semso’ from His Majesty buy my husband back but of Ceremony for the day and carry the dead body the King, the Ministry of it is equally comforting for announced her name on home. By the time they Agriculture and Forests, their kind gestures”. the mic requesting her had reached home it the Royal Government of Asked if she ever plotted to come in the front. She was midnight. After a Bhutan to name but a few. retaliation for her immense stood up amongst the proper funeral pyre, the The family has also been loss, Aum Lemo said she prying eyes and headed incident has now long granted scholarships for their was angry and regretted to receive the solidarity been forgotten by others. two children by His Majesty. the incident. But more than offered to her coinciding But for Aum Lemo, the Hon’ble Lyonpo (Dr.) Pema that, she feels his absence with the celebration of the incident still clings on Gyamtsho of Agriculture and while performing their farm second Global Tiger Day remaining forever etched Forests visited the home of chores. “Especially when in Bhutan. 16 July-August 2012 RNR NEWSLETTER Druk Shingthog Gongphel Nursery

Kinley Tshering/ICS Meanwhile, her husband, an Agriculture After dropping out of class Extension Officer of Talo IX from Samdrup Jongkhar Gewog under Punakha Middle Secondary School Dzongkhag, encouraged her in 2005, Ms. Sangay Choki to start a nursery firm. She divided her time between immediately consented to raising her family and her the idea and started learning passion of gardening. She few fundamental steps of also worked as a contract scientific farming methods farmer to Bhutan Alpine which she considered as Seed Zone to supply pre-requisites for starting the asparagus seedlings to nursery firm. farmers. Her passion for In August 2010, she gardening and the experience wrote a proposal titled at Bhutan Alpine Seed Zone “Druk Shingthog Gonphel helped her to conceive Nursery” and submitted Walnut sapling at the Nursery an idea of opening a new it to Loden Foundation, private firm to supply high Thimphu. The foundation of Nu. 450,000. With an like Ficus auriculata, orchids, yielding seeds to the farmers. gave an interest free loan additional Nu. 100,000 and rubber, and several species of technical support from the thuja genus. Research & Development Sangay says that Plants for sale at the Royal Center Bajo, Dzongkhag and floriculture/ornamental plant extension office of Punakha nurseries will create the door Botanical Garden, Serbtihang Dzongkhag, she started the for the natural plant lovers plant nursery on an acre to have choices of various The Royal Botanical Garden, National Biodiversity of leased private land at plant species for their house Centre, Serbithang is pleased to inform that the garden Nobgang, Punakha. beautification. It would also has started selling plants (both native and exotic) Currently, the nursery has help promote and preserve propagated at the garden with effect from July 2012. walnut, pears, peach, grapes, indigenous and exotic The sale of plants is one of the initiatives to achieve passion fruit, avocado, plants and flower species self sustainability of the garden and more importantly Persimmon, cumquats, and maintaining the ecological to promote awareness on floral diversity and encourage pomegranate saplings besides balance of our country. household conservation. The funds collected from the sale fodder and ornamental plants of plants would be deposited in the national revenue. For details of plants available on sale, please contact Tshering Wangmo at 17522502.

To If undelivered please return to:

Information and Communication Services (ICS) Ministry of Agriculture and Forests Post Box: 1095, Thimphu-Bhutan Tel(PABX): 02-323765/321142/322855 Fax: 02-324520 Email: [email protected] Website: www.moaf.gov.bt