25 March, Paro: The government of Japan handed over farm machines worth approximately Nu. 300 M to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests. A total of 400 grant aid machines were handed over by the Chief Representative, Mr. Watanabe Kozo, JICA Bhutan office to the Ministry at Agriculture Machinery Centre (AMC). The grant machines include 200 power tillers, 150 mini tillers, 30 tractors and 20 mini combine harvesters, their implements, repair tools, washing equipment and spare parts. Mr. Shingo Miyamoto, the Minister, Embassy of Japan, Delhi attended the event through a video conference.
The Hon’ble Sanam Lyonpo on behalf of the Government of Bhutan and Lyonchhen thank the Government of Japan and the people of Japan for the grant aid machines. He informed that the machines will greatly support in enhancement of mechanization in agriculture to achieve food and nutritional security in the country. With the country gearing towards commercial agriculture, machines are important. He emphasized that support is also needed in post-harvest technologies and marketing infrastructures and technologies to encourage production and facilitate proper marketing. He also acknowledged the previous government under Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay for requesting the farm machines during his tenure. Farm mechanization mitigates drudgery, encourages commercial farming and youth participation and also reduces production cost in the commodity value chain.
The JICA Chief Representative while handing over informed that these machines may greatly suit the local needs and different terrain requirements. He informed of many projects under the Ministry which will eventually help in agriculture production enhancement in Bhutan. He also informed that the machine delivery was coinciding with the 30th death anniversary of the late Dasho Nishoka who was a pioneer in agriculture development in Bhutan and indeed a special occasion.
The Government of Japan since 1964 was instrumental in promoting good agriculture and farm mechanization in Bhutan. From 1984 until 2012, Bhutan received approximately 3000 power tillers under the KRII grant which improved the livelihood as well as the way agriculture was practiced in the country. In 2018, Bhutan received 353 power tillers under the Grant Aid project phase I and this year, Bhutan received 400 different machines under the phase II.
Government is supporting the hiring and the sale of machines to farmers to encourage optimum utilization of machines and for those who cannot afford to own one. The hiring service at present is being implemented by FMCL with government support. The hiring by private individuals has also started and this is a good trend. The hiring is initiated at present by the government to provide awareness and eventually private individuals are encouraged to take this forward as an enterprise.
Private sectors are also encouraged to promote mechanization with the sale of different farm machines and technologies with import tax exemption. The new technologies and technical supports, free testing of their machines to ensure standards and quality benefits both sellers and buyers. A series of free skilled training is provided to all stakeholders through AMC. The government has also been supporting farmers to buy machines with low-interest loans from NSCI bank limited.
Submitted by Agriculture Machinery Centre
