JICA Consultation Study Mission Team consisting of three representatives Mr. Jiro Aikawa (Senior Advisor), Ms. Risa Goto (Rural Development Department) from JICA Headquaters, Japan and Mr. Yoshihisa Shibuya (Advisor) from Terakoya, Japan visited ARDC Bajo on 13-14 March, 2019. The main purpose of their visit is to monitor and assess IHP Project activities based at the Centre. This is to justify the budget support provided by the People of Japan. The mission team had series of interaction with project counter parts, former CP trainees, JICA Experts and Program Director. The team visited the project sites in Punakha and had farmers’ level discussion at the field (Barp and Teopsa gewogs) to understand whether the implementation of the project has impacted as per the project prerequisite and if the project going on right track. They also interact with roadside vegetables vendors at Lobesa and visited Chimipang Royal Project.

The team also made presentation to the Centre on “Agriculture extension system in Japan” and “SHEP approach -JICA’s global challenge” which were very interesting and knowledge sharing. Lots of interaction was followed after presentation.  On the second day they attended the 6th Horticulture Training for EAs as observer.

The mission team conveyed that the project has implemented effective and efficient activities to develop capacities of counterpart institution and staff for extending results to farmers in target areas especially with the Outreach Program. The mission team visit was a good opportunity for the Centre to get the mission direction and suggestions for better implementation of the project.