From September 16 to 22, 2024, Ms. Tipparat Pongthanapanich, Aquaculture Officer from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) based in Bangkok, undertook an official visit to Bhutan. During her stay, Ms. Pongthanapanich conducted site tours of key facilities, such as the National Research and Development Center for Riverine and Lake Fisheries in Haa, a private trout farm, the National Development Center for Aquaculture in Gelephu, and Bhutanโs largest carp farm in Taraythang, operated by a woman entrepreneur. In Dagana, she engaged with emerging young entrepreneurs and visited several aquaculture farms, providing expert advice to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Ms. Pongthanapanich also outlined potential avenues for FAO’s collaboration in supporting the establishment of the Tsangkha Chirrup Commercial Fish Farm, particularly through the initiation of Technical Cooperation Projects (TCPs). These programs would facilitate targeted technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening Bhutanโs aquaculture sector. Furthermore, she provided key insights into overcoming sectoral challenges and reaffirmed FAO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Bhutan in achieving its fish production target of 250 MT per annum by the conclusion of the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Ms. Pongthanapanich concluded her visit and departed Bhutan on the evening of September 22, 2024.
Reported by: NDCA, Gelephu
