Staff without adequate skills such as lack of adequate taxonomic skills The first PGRFA survey and inventory led by NBC had covered only the grains and legume crops, as such the need for survey of other groups of crops have been identified as a priority. However, development of technical skills of the staff involved, refinement of the survey methodology and fund sourcing are the prerequisites identified before embarking on the second phase survey. Survey and inventory of indigenous vegetables and fruits, along with characterization (morphological, molecular, phyto-nutrient) of wild fruits and nuts, domestication, conservation and crop development are other priorities identified by Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture. Documentation and maintenance of Community Biodiversity Register is also a priority to understand the diversity at community level. Priority Activity Area 2 Supporting On-Farm Management and Improvement of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Currently, as per the data collected from NISM stakeholders, there are about 10 programs and projects in place supporting the on-farm management and improvement of PGRFA. Table 7 shows the details of the projects/programs in the country. Table 7: Programs and projects supporting on-farm management and improvement of PGRFA in the country. Lead agency Name of on-farm conservation programme/project Local farmer community involved Activities include: Other activities
National Biodiversity Center Integrated Livestock and Crop Conservation Program Farmer's Community of: Chhoekhor,Bumthang; Dechheling,Pema Gatshel; Dungtoe,Samtse; Gakiling,and Sombaykha,Haa; Mendrelgang and Semjong, Tsirang; Nangkor,Zhemgang; 1.Pilot sites established in areas of high diversity; 2.Studies on local varieties population structure and dynamics; 3.Assessment of local varieties utilization and management; 4.Socio-economic assessment of PGRFA management and improvement 1. Seed selection and maintenance 2. Enhancing production through organic farming. 3. Value addition, marketing & income generation. 4. Community empowerment through trainings. 5. of diversity and enhancing resilience of production system. National Organic Program Organic Buckwheat Program Farmer's Community of: Chhoekhor,Bumthang; Sombaykha,Haa Seed multiplication and distribution of bred varieties Value addition and marketing National Organic Program Organic Rice Program Tsirang Farmers; Bumthang farmers Studies on local varieties population structure and dynamics value addition and marketing National Organic Program Organic Vegetable Program Samdrup Jongkhar Farmers; Gasa Farmers; Paro farmers; Tsirang Farmers 1.Assessment of local varieties utilization and management; 2.Assessment of improved varieties utilization and management Renewable Natural Resources Research and Development Centre - Bajo Biodiversity Use and Conservation in Asia Program Farmer's Community: Samthang and Thedtsho,Wangdue Phodrang 3.Characterization and evaluation of local varieties; 4.On-farm breeding; 5.Seed multiplication and distribution of bred varieties; 5.Assessment of local varieties utilization and management 1.Broadening of genetic base of food crops 2.Training and empowerment of community 3.In situ conservation of food crops 4.PVS on rice and maize 5.Training on seed selection 6.Vegetables production and nutrition Renewable Natural Resources Research and Development Centre Wengkhar On-farm vegetable seed production program Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag; Pemagatshel Dzongkhag; Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag; Lhuntse Dzongkhag; Mongar Dzongkhag; Trashigang Dzongkhag Seed multiplication and distribution of bred varieties Transfer of knowledge to the farmers on vegetable seed production and maintenance techniques.
Annexure 1: Programme/project/activity relating to sustaining ex situ collection. Stakeholder Ex situ conservation programme/project/activity Type of activity Other activity type Number of professionals involved National Biodiversity Center Agrobiodiversity Conservation Project Seed genebank (long term collections); Seed genebank (medium term collections); Seed genebank (short term collections); Botanical garden 5 Bhutan Potato Development Program Potato Seed Production In vitro conservation Field Assessment and Multiplication 8 Field genebank of local citrus cultivars collected from citrus growing region in Bhutan Field genebank Germplasm collection, Evaluation and selection of better quality fruits, Source of scion wood for production of seedlings 5 Evaluation and germplasm collection of wild citrus species and its relatives. Field genebank 1 Evaluation and germplasm collection of wild persimmon species Field genebank To study the graft compatibility with the improved cultivars 5 Germplasm collection of local soft-shell walnut selections Field genebank Source of scion wood for seedling production 2 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Field genebank Germplasm collection, Evaluation and selection of better quality fruits, Source of scion wood for production of seedlings 5 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Asian pears Field genebank Germplasm collection, Evaluation and selection of better quality fruits, Source of scion wood for production of seedlings 4 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Persimmon Field genebank Germplasm collection, Evaluation and selection of better quality fruits, Source of scion wood for production of seedlings 4
Annexure 2: Details of ex situ collections in the country. Stakeholder Name of ex situ collection Name of taxon Status of accessions Geog.origin Number of accessions Number of accessions at other genebanks Genebank holding NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Amaranthus L Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 10 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Hordeum vulgare Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 30 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Phaseolus vulgaris Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 57 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Fagopyron esculentum Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 74 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Eleusine coracana Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 70 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Zea mays Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 80 0 National Biodiversity Center
NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Brassica campestris var. toria Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 40 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Oryza sativa Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 338 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Pisum sativum Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 3 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Glycine max Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 20 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Vigna sp. Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 40 0 National Biodiversity Center NBC Ex-situ/Gene bank Program, Conservation & Utilization Section Triticum aestivum Traditional cultivar/Landrace Different locations in Bhutan 23 0 National Biodiversity Center Bhutan Potato Development Program Potato Seed Production Solanum tuberosum Advanced/Improved cultivar Bhutan Potato Development Program RNR-RDC, Bajo Rice genepool strengthening project Oryza sativa Traditional cultivar/Landrace Bhutan 150 150 International Rice Research Institute Local Mandarin germplasm collection Citrus reticulata Traditional cultivar/Landrace Citrus growing 57
region of Bhutan Evaluation and germplasm collection of wild citrus species and its relatives. Citrus sp. Traditional cultivar/Landrace Native to Bhutan 5 Evaluation and germplasm collection of wild persimmon species Diospyros sp. Wild Native to Bhutan 1 Germplasm collection of local soft-shell walnut selections Juglans regia Traditional cultivar/Landrace Eastern region of Bhutan 24 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus reticulata Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 3 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus unshiu Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 6 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus reticulata Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 3 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus reticulata Advanced/Improved cultivar Nepal, Bhutan 4 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus reticulata Advanced/Improved cultivar 1 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus limon Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 1 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus Citrus sinensis Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 2
cultivar Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus maxima Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 1 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Asian pears Pyrus pyrifolia Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 11 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Persimmon Diospyros kaki Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 7 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Prunus persica Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 7 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Prunus sp. Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 8 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Malus domestica Advanced/Improved cultivar RDC Bajo 2 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Prunus cerasus Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 5 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, Vitis vinifera Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 3
olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Olea europaea Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 4 Evaluation and germplasm collection of peach, plum, apricot, loquat, apple, olive, grapes, cherry,kiwifruit Actinidia deliciosa Advanced/Improved cultivar Semtokha 5 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Mango Mangifera indica Advanced/Improved cultivar India 4 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic walnut varieties Juglans regia Advanced/Improved cultivar India, Holland 19 Germplasm collection of Hazelnut varieties Corylus avellana Advanced/Improved cultivar Germany 6 Maintenance of basic seed of released varieties of vegetables Brassica oleracea var. botrytis Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 2 Maintenance of basic seed of released varieties of vegetables Brassica juncea Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 2 Maintenance of basic seed of released varieties of vegetables Daucus carota Traditional cultivar/Landrace Japan 1 Maintenance of basic seed of released varieties of vegetables Capsicum annuum Traditional cultivar/Landrace Japan and landrace 2 Maintenance of basic seed of released varieties of vegetables Cucurbita maxima Traditional cultivar/Landrace Japan 1
Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Zea mays Traditional cultivar/Landrace Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Oryza sativa Traditional cultivar/Landrace Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Phaseolus sp. Traditional cultivar/Landrace Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Eleusine coracana Traditional cultivar/Landrace Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Triticum sp. Traditional cultivar/Landrace Ex-situ conservation of PGRFA using conventional seed storage methods Hordeum vulgare Traditional cultivar/Landrace Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Citrus paradisi Advanced/Improved cultivar 2 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Poncirus trifoliata Advanced/Improved cultivar 3 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Exotic citrus cultivar Fortunella japonica Advanced/Improved cultivar Japan 1 Evaluation and germplasm collection of Avocado Persea americana Advanced/Improved cultivar 4
Evaluation and germplasm collection of Chestnut Castanea sp. Advanced/Improved cultivar Holland 5 Annex 3: Crop breeding programs carried out in the country. Name of crop Trait(s)/charac. Sys. Estimated imp. of the improv. Germplasm source(s) Farmers invol. in No. of proff. Staff Output produced Output prod. Yr. Potato Yield, pest and disease resistance, maturity, tuber quality. Dry land farming system in High and mid altitude zones. High Regional/International network;CGIAR genebank;Public organization from developed country Selecting from fixed lines or finished varieties (participatory varietal selection) 8 4 varieties released (Desiree - 1988, Kufri Jyoti- 1988, Yusi Kaap- 1988, Khangma Kaap- 2002) 2002 Rice High yield Disease resistance Drought tolerance Grain quality Rice based system High and mid altitude areas High Regional/International network;CGIAR genebank Selecting from fixed lines or finished varieties (participatory varietal selection) 4 6 HYVs The program commenced from 1988 and continued till 2010. Maize Yield, disease resistance, crop duration, height, husk cover, lodging tolerance. High, mid and low altitude zones High Regional/International network;CGIAR genebank Selecting from fixed lines or finished varieties (participatory varietal selection) 5 3 varieties (Yangtsipa, Khangma Ashom 1 and Khangma Ashom 2) released between 1988 to 1990 1990
NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Daucus carota Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards. NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Lactuca sativa Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Beta vulgaris Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Amaranthus sp. Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Chenopodium quinoa Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Ocimum basilicum Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards
NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Atriplex hortensis Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Cucumis melo Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Solanum melongena Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Vegetable Program Vegetables Cucumis sativus Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors A Guide to Organic Agriculture in Bhutan;National Framework for Organic farming in Bhutan;Training Manual;National Organic Standards NOP Organic Fruit Program Fruits Cucurbita pepo Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors NOP Organic Fruit Program Fruits Cucurbita moschata Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors NOP Organic Maize Program Cereal Zea mays Seed distribution;Participatory community-based activities;Linkages between formal and informal seed sectors