Ministry of Agriculture and Forests

15 June, Bumthang: More than 33 Administration personal from the Department of Forests and Parks Services (DoFPS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests are attending a week long training at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE). This training is an effort to develop  an online database for the staff working at the Department of Forests and Parks Services. The training has been organised by UWICE, DoFPS with objectives to acquaint and enhance the skills of administration officials on the operation aspects of the HR database software.

After a week long training, it is expected that all HR information will be electronically stored in this database, which would not only maintain and provide accurate  information on existing employees but will also make easy access for the Managers/HROs/ADMs to retrieve their data.

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A primitive plant species Podocarpusneriifolius is sighted in Tsirang Dzongkhag. The podocarpus belongs to the family of Podocarpaceae in the major Gymnosperms groups (Conifers, Cycads,Podocarpus). Literature reveals that it is found in India, Nepal, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Loas, Combodia etc. Podocarpus is an evergreen plant that grows up to 10-15 meters in between 650 m and 1600 m altitude.

Because of its distribution and population, it is rare species in Bhutan. Based on the information received from forestry colleague, one single tree each is found in Tashiyangtse and Zhemgang Dzongkhag. In Tsirang, a single tree is sighted in Damphu Higher Secondary School (DHSS) compound and four trees in Majuwa under Kikorthang Geog. The single tree at DHSS probably could have been planted as it is found in the School plantation area where as trees as Majuwa are naturally grown. It is found growing in rocky cliff with natural regeneration limited to undisturbed areas underneath the mother trees. Tsirang Forest Division will initiate raising of nursery seedlings as a conservation measure.

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Cane and bamboo play an integral role in supporting livelihood of people at Bjoka Gewog, Zhemgang. More than 90% of the households in the Gewog use these resources for handicrafts and contribute to 66% of household income. Recognising its importance, Bjoka Gongphel Tsarzo Tshogpa (group) was formed in the Gewog with an aim to increase household cash income and to manage resources in sustainable manner. The setting up of this group enabled the members to readily sell their products but faced with challenges of proper resource management as planned. Intensive collection followed by flowering of yula (Neomicrocalamus andropogonifolius) in many areas has raised a concern for the sustainability of handicraft work which has direct impact on household income.

Most bamboo species can be used for making functional household and craft articles. However, yula is suitable for production of intrinsically patterned containers known as Bangchung, Lakchung, Baikur and Zemthrachem. Handicraft making is a lifeline for majority households in Bjoka and lives of Bjokapas are unimaginable without this activity. Considering these problems, the Social Forestry and Extension Division in collaboration with Research Center, Bhur has introduced two different bamboo species at Bjoka. The main aim of introducing these bamboo species is to substitute or supplement yula requirement for production of handicraft. These species were introduced during recent bamboo propagation training conducted in the Gewog.

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In order to join the Nation in Social Forestry Day celebration on 2^nd June 2015 coinciding with the Coronation day of the 4^th King, a commemorative plantation was carried out at the National Piggery Development Centre (NPiDC) campus at Gelephu. Around 300 saplings of horticultural and aesthetic values were planted covering area of one acre. Species include aracanut, mango, leechi, coffee and ashoka saplings.

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