PLANTATION DRIVE- BHUTAN

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forest had planted over 30,000 saplings of species Jasminum, Forsythia, Certostigma and Hypericum in Thimpu-Babesa expressway divider, western central Bhutan. About 520 staff had participated in the hedge plantation programme. Likewise, many plantation activities are being carried out this year under the Green Bhutan Programme.

July 25

http://www.kuenselonline.com/30000-saplings-planted-along-the-expressway/ Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence ……www. resourceshimalaya.org 5

POPLER SEEDS THREAT – India

The Government of Kashmir, northern India has been undertaking a challenging task to axe nearly 20 million Russian female popler trees (Populus tremula). The dispersal of cotton seed from the species may trigger allergic reactions like respiratory disorders, irritation of eyes, nose and throats in some people as well as major environmental catastrophe in coming year in the eco-fragile valley. It can be controlled without mass felling of the trees.

July 15

http://www.greaterkashmir.com/mobi/news/kashmir/experts-sound-caution-on-poplar-tree-felling-say-it-can-be-disastrous/191841.html

MAGGI BANNED

The sale and display of Maggi noodles has been temporally banned in Thimpu, for safety reasons as it has been found unsafe and hazardous for human consumption. Bhutan Agriculture and Food Regulatory Authority (BAFRA) officials have sealed around 1,000 cartoons of Maggi noodles and 178 cartoons of Maggie cup noodles.

June 08

http://www.kuenselonline.com/sale-and-display-of-maggi-banned/#.VXZz5I6qqko

RELIEF DISTRIBUTION

The farmers affected by the April 25 earthquake and aftershocks have been given a total of 17,930 Kg free paddy seeds by the District Agriculture Development Office (DADO), Bhaktapur, central Nepal. . The seeds were purchased from farmers in Kavre as well as from Bhaktapur itself. However, the demand of the farmers has been yet to be fulfilled.

June 04

http://www.myrepublica.com/society/item/22080-free-paddy-seeds-to-quake-affected-farmers.html

WHEAT PRODUCTION UP

Nepali farmers have produced over 92,000 tons wheat in the current fiscal year. Likewise the production of barley has increased by seven percent and buck wheat by five, while there has been a reduction in the main crop paddy and maize. The relief programs for farmers are being conducted with priority in the earthquake affected areas.

June 02

http://www.karobardaily.com/2015/06/5319/

VEGETABLE PRODUCTION INCREASES - BHUTAN

There is a gradual increment in the production of vegetable in Bhutan since 2012. It has increased by 13 percent between 2008 and 2012. The country had produced 46,468 metric tons of vegetables in 2013.

May 16

http://www.kuenselonline.com/vegetable-production-on-the-up/#.VVi3Ivmqqko