In Wangdue, 666 kiwi seedlings were supplied to 11 gewogs on February 26 as a measure to diversify crop production and to reduce import.

Each gewog received 50 female and 10 male kiwi seedlings of Hayward variety.

The dzongkhag’s agriculture officer, Sonam Zangpo, said that the gewog extension officers would identify and provide the seedlings to “progressive farmers” who were doing good work and could bring good outputs. Technical support will also be provided.

Sonam Zangpo said that growing the crop was feasible as it had been successful at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre in Bajo.

The crop will take about three to four years to bear fruit.

Agriculture extension supervisor of Rubeisa, Choki Nima, said that the gewog is yet to start planting the seedlings. “However, we will not identify more than two farmers to grow the crop.”

Gase Tshowom’s agriculture extension officer, Chimi Lhamo, said that the gewog has plans to distribute the seedlings to two farmers.

Agriculture extension supervisor of Dakar said that people of the gewog are interested to grow the crop due to good price it fetches in the market.

She said the seedlings would be distributed to two households so that the farmers could take care of them well. “The gewog is currently in the process of clearing the land for the plantation.”

Sonam Zangpo said that if the crop does well in the dzongkhag, more seedlings would be supplied in the future.

Karma Cheki | Wangdue