The National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC), Department of Agriculture, Royal Government of Bhutan, in collaboration with FAO Bhutan and Agriculture Research and Development Centre Bajo, supported the mission of Dr. Yubak Dhoj GC, Senior Agriculture Officer (Plant Protection), FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP), held from 17–20 August 2026 under the GCP/RAS/419/JPN-F project.

As part of the mission, Dr. Yubak delivered a presentation on “Strengthening and Modernising Bhutan’s National Plant Protection and Phytosanitary System”, highlighting opportunities to strengthen Bhutan’s plant health system, national capacities and phytosanitary services.

The presentation also covered FAO initiatives on Fall Armyworm mitigation in the Asia and Pacific region, with emphasis on strengthening surveillance, preparedness, technical capacity and sustainable pest management.

The mission included technical discussions with the Department of Agriculture, NPPC and FAO Bhutan, a visit to the National Plant Protection Referral Laboratory, and a field visit to Dapchegang, Guma Gewog, Punakha, where the team engaged with maize farmers and extension officials on Fall Armyworm management and pesticide susceptibility monitoring.

The mission provided an important platform for knowledge sharing, technical exchange and strengthening collaboration.

Our sincere appreciation to FAO Bhutan, Department of Agriculture, ARDC Bajo, extension colleagues and the farmers for their valuable support and participation