Yusipang:A three-day regional training organized by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) commenced in Bhutan, aimed at enhancing the technical capacity for producing quality hybrid seeds within SAARC member countries, thereby reducing dependency on imports.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the training program is focused on the production of vegetable hybrid seeds and is being held at the National Center for Organic Agriculture in Yusipang, about 13 kilometers northeast of Thimphu. The event is organized by Bhutan's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock with the support of the SAARC Agriculture Center and will conclude on October 7.
Bhutan's Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Younten Phuntsho, inaugurated the program, with Tanvir Ahmed Tarafder, Director of the SAARC Secretariat, attending as a special guest. The opening ceremony was also attended by Bangladesh Ambassador to Bhutan Maleka Parveen, Indian Embassy's First Secretary in Bhutan Neha Yadav, and Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, Director General for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Around 30 researchers from Bhutan are participating directly, while representatives from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are joining virtually. The Bhutanese minister underscored the significance of plant breeding, quality seed management, and the role of developed seed technology in addressing climate change and disease vulnerability, while ensuring food security.
The program includes technical sessions, practical exercises, laboratory and field demonstrations, and group education, focusing particularly on hybrid tomato and chili seed production. Key topics such as mother plant management, pollination, genetic purity, seed collection and storage, and quality control will be addressed.
Organizers believe that enhancing regional hybrid seed production capacity will increase the availability of quality seeds across South Asian countries and strengthen local seed management systems by reducing import dependency.