Tsirang, 15 July 2026 – The Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Bajo, in collaboration with the Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration, conducted a consultation meeting on the Research Outreach Program (ROP) for vegetable production at the Tsirang Dzongkhag Administration.
The meeting brought together Agriculture Extension Officers from all gewogs of Tsirang Dzongkhag, the Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer (DAO), and horticulture researchers from ARDC Bajo and ARDSC Menchhuna to discuss strategies for implementing the ROP and accelerating vegetable production in the dzongkhag. The initiative supports the 13th Five-Year Plan by promoting the adoption of research-based technologies through stronger collaboration between research institutions and extension services. The meeting was graced virtually by the Program Director, ARDC Bajo, who emphasized the importance of the Research Outreach Program (ROP) in accelerating the adoption of research-based technologies, strengthening research–extension collaboration, and contributing to the achievement of the vegetable production targets under the 13th Five-Year Plan.
For the Vegetable ROP, chilli, cauliflower, and tomato have been identified as the priority crops based on their production potential and market demand. The program aims to enhance crop productivity, improve farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the commercialization of vegetable production through targeted research and extension interventions.
During the meeting, ARDC Bajo presented an overview of the ROP, outlining its objectives, implementation strategy, and expected outcomes.
The consultation focused on developing a coordinated implementation framework, including the selection of priority gewogs and villages, criteria for identifying intervention sites, stakeholder roles and responsibilities, and the implementation timeline. Participants also discussed mechanisms for effective coordination, monitoring, and technical support to ensure successful program delivery.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from ARDC Bajo, ARDSC Menchhuna, and the Tsirang Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector to jointly implement the Research Outreach Program. The agreed plan of action will facilitate the effective dissemination of improved vegetable production technologies, contributing to increased productivity, enhanced farmer livelihoods, and the achievement of the vegetable production targets under the 13th Five-Year Plan.