July 14: The Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho visited the affected places and villages earlier this week.

On June 27, over 200 acres of maize fields were damaged by a windstorm in Monggar affecting over 270 households in six geogs. Maize is the staple crop for the people in the east. The windstorm has left some of the villagers with nothing to sustain them.

The visit by the Agriculture Minister Lyonpo Dr. Pema Gyamtsho brought some relief to the villagers. He led a team of agriculture officials. They visited the affected areas and met with the villagers. The damage had caused a loss of about Nu. 2.6 million.

The Agriculture Minister said the visit was to assess the immediate needs of the people and make sure that no one is starving.

Since it is impossible to replant maize at this season, the agriculture ministry is providing free vegetable seeds.

Prior to Lyonpo’s visit, Her Royal Highness Ashi Dechen Yangzom Wangchuck had also visited the affected areas. The people said they were deeply touched and grateful that Her Royal Highness visited them as a representative of His Majesty the King.

Her Royal Highness gave them semso, rice and other goods. The Gup of Monggar geog, Dechen Yeshey told BBS that the visit by Her Royal Highness and government officials was a relief for them.

The agriculture Ministry will also be providing free maize seeds for the next season.