Vol. I Issue No. 5
NEWSLETTER
A monthly publication of the Ministry of Agriculture & Forests
www.moaf.gov.bt
November 2013
Domestic GM sector in Bhutan is
considered virtually non-existent at
the moment and the only potential
source of GMOs would be from the
import of products derived from
GMOs
Pg. 4
Cronobacter spp. has ubiquitous
character; found everywhere in the
environment and is considered to
be one of the emerging food
pathogens
Pg. 4
INSIDE
RNR
Regulatory Framework Governing GMOs
National Biosafety Framework Project, BAFRA
Untouched by GMO
Modern biotechnology refers to a number
of techniques that involve the intentional
manipulation of genes, cells and living
tissue in a predictable and controlled
manner to generate changes in the genetic
make-up of an organism or produce
new tissue. One example of modern
biotechnology is genetic engineering,
also called genetic modification (GM)
or genetic manipulation. Genetic
modification is the process of transferring
individual genes between different or
same organisms or modifying the genes
in an organism to remove or add a desired
trait or characteristic. Through genetic
engineering, genetically modified crops or
organisms are formed.
Genetically modified organism (GMO)
or transgenic is any organism that
possesses a novel combination of genetic
material obtained through the use of
modern biotechnology techniques. GMOs
are also referred to as living modified
organisms (LMOs). These GM crops or
GMOs are used to produce foods intended
for human and animal consumption as
food, feed and processing.
Research involving genetic
modifications and development of GMOs
in Bhutan is currently banned by a
Ministerial notification from the MoAF in
April 2011. So, the domestic GM sector in
Bhutan is considered virtually non-existent
at the moment and the only potential
source of GMOs would be from the import
of products derived from GMOs.
Bhutan became party to the
International Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) on August 25, 1995
after ratification of the Convention
by the 73rd Session of the National
Assembly of Bhutan. The Cartagena
Protocol on Bio-safety (CPB) is the first
international regulatory framework for
bio-safety, negotiated under the aegis of
the Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD).
Cont. on page 2
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November 2013
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NEWSLETTER
Change and Bhutan
Chapter 4, Section II Clause (c),
Import of seed, states that “import
of genetically modified seeds has to
comply with the national regulatory
framework on biosafety.”
GMO: Increasing the shelf life of fruits and vegetables but at a lower
nutritional quality
In accordance with the precautionary
approach contained in Principle 15 of
the Rio Declaration on Environment
and Development, the objective of the
Protocol is to contribute to ensuring an
adequate level of protection in the field
of the safe transfer, handling and use
of living modified organisms resulting
from modern biotechnology that may
have adverse effects on the conservation
and sustainable use of biological
diversity, taking also into account
risks to human health, and specifically
focusing on transboundary movements
(Article 1, CPB).
Bhutan ratified the Cartagena Protocol
on Biosafety (CPB) to the Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) on
August 26, 2002. As a signatory to CPB,
Bhutan seeks to protect the biodiversity,
the environment, safeguard human and
animal health from the risks of GMOs.
However, the potential of GM foods
to enhance our food and nutritional
security is being explored.
National policies and legislations
governing GMOs
Over the years there have been
many references to GMOs in national
level regulatory systems comprising
of policies, Acts and its Rules
and Regulations including some
MoAF notifications. The earliest
documentation related to GMOs was
the MoAF Ministerial Decree in 2000,
the National Biosafety Framework in
2006 and more recently the Ministerial
Notification in 2011 followed by the
Biosafety Bill of Bhutan 2013. The
details are as included below:
i. Ministerial Decree 2000
Bhutan does not have a Biosafety
Regulatory policy per se but has
adopted a precautionary approach in
2000, whereby all imports of GMOs
into the Kingdom were banned through
a ministerial decree issued by the
Ministry of Agriculture. This was the
first initiative taken by the government
to ensure that GMOs are not introduced
into the Kingdom. But due to the lack
of human resources and regulatory
guidelines, the decree could not be fully
fulfilled.
ii. Food Act of Bhutan 2005
The Food Act of Bhutan 2005, Chapter
VII; Section 59 and 60, mandates the
regulation of food business pertaining to
genetically modified foods.
iii. Seed Rules and Regulations of
Bhutan 2006
iv. National Biosafety Framework
2006
As an obligation to the Protocol, Bhutan
developed the National Biosafety
Framework (NBF) in 2006. With the
help of funding from the United Nation
Environment Program (UNEP) and
Global Environment Facility (GEF), the
Framework was operationalized through
the National Biosafety Framework
Project (NBFP) in 2010 under BAFRA.
BAFRA was designated as the
National Competent Authority for the
implementation of all biosafety related
activities in the Kingdom.
v. National Environment Protection
Act 2007
The National Environment Protection
Act 2007, Chapter 5; Section 72
mandates the establishment of
regulatory controls over import and use
of GMOs including living modified
organisms and products containing
GMOs.
vi. Constitution of the Kingdom of
Bhutan 2008
Article 5 pertains to the environment.
The Constitution states that every
Bhutanese is a trustee of the Kingdom's
natural resources and environment
for the benefit of the present and
future generations and declares it the
fundamental duty of every citizen to
contribute to protection, conservation,
and prevention of all forms of
ecological degradation including
noise, visual and physical pollution.
This Article mandates the adoption
and support of environment friendly
practices and policies.
vii. The Biosecurity Policy of the
Kingdom of Bhutan 2010
The Policy designates BAFRA as the
competent authority to coordinate
all biosecurity-related activities. The
Biosecurity Policy of Bhutan states to
contribute to achieve Gross National
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NEWSLETTER
November 2013
3
Change and Bhutan
Happiness by ensuring the protection
of the Bhutanese people, the biological
resources, plants and animals from the
harmful effects of pests and diseases,
invasive alien species, GMOs, toxic
chemicals and food additives.
viii.Economic Development Policy of
Bhutan 2010
The Policy promotes Bhutan as organic
brand and focuses on the production of
high value organic produce.
ix. Ministerial Notification 2011
A notification was issued by the MoAF
banning import, transit, release, research
and contained use of GMOs/LMOs
capable of reproducing in the Kingdom
x. The Biosafety Bill of Bhutan 2013
Under the NBF Project, Bhutan has
drafted Biosafety Bill of Kingdom
of Bhutan 2013. NBF Project in
collaboration with BAFRA is
also drafting Biosafety Rules and
Regulations, Guidelines for risk
assessment, application administration
system and other relevant tools required
for regulation of GMOs. The biosafety
system drafted for Bhutan has been
built upon transparent procedures for
receiving applications, evaluation and
decision making.
The Biosafety Bill of Bhutan was
prepared in alignment with the existing
government policies and regulations;
to impose consequent ban on practices
with GMOs and to regulate products
derived from GMOs. The Bill extends
to all GMOs and import, export and
direct use of products having GM
content within the country.
The Bill provides a regulatory
landscape which prohibits the
environmental introduction of GMOs
capable of reproducing but permits
the introduction of products derived
from GMOs into the Kingdom,
without compromising the safety of the
environment and protection of human
and animal health. The prohibitions and
exemptions described in the Bill are
presented in Box 1 and 2.
Box 1: The Prohibitions laid out in the Bill:
1. Import of any GMOs and any other genetically modified biological material capable of reproducing;
2.Transit of GMOs capable of reproducing;
3.Intentional introduction of GMOs capable of reproducing into the environment;
4.Any use, including contained use of GMOs capable of reproducing; and
5.Research and development that involves GMOs capable of reproducing.
Source: The Biosafety Bill of Bhutan 2013
Box 2: The exemptions laid out in the Bill:
1.Traditional and domestic methods of animal and plant breeding;
2.Traditional and domestic exchange and sale of local seeds, plants and livestock;
3.Gene sequencing, tissue culture, and other similar methods, which do not involve the use of modern biotechnology;
and
4.Products derived from genetically modified organisms for pharmaceuticals for human and veterinary use.
Source: The Biosafety Bill of Bhutan 2013
an illustration of GMO
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November 2013
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NEWSLETTER
Application of MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rDNA
sequencing for identification of Cronobacter spp.
Abstract of thesis contributed by Jambay Dorji, BAFRA, MoAF. Supervised by Dr. Ir. Martine Reij and Ing. Gerrieke van
Middendorp, Food Microbiology Laboratory, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
Cronobacter spp. previously known as
Enterobacter sakazakii (named after
Japanese microbiologist) are gramnegative, peritrichous, motile, rodshaped, non–spore-forming, oxidasenegative, catalase-positive, facultative
anaerobic bacteria of the family
Enterobacteriaceae under genus
Cronobacter.
Cronobacter spp. has ubiquitous
character; found everywhere in the
environment and is considered to be one
of the emerging food pathogens. They
are present in variety of foods and
considered as rare and opportunistic
pathogen, occasionally causing fatal
infection. These pathogens are
commonly associated with infants/
neonates and cause illness like
meningitis, bacteraemia or sepsis and
necrotizing enterocolitis. In many cases,
powdered infant formula (PIF) has been
identified as the source of infection and
proved to be epidemiologically linked.
As such it is of much concern for
regulatory bodies, public health workers
and companies producing infant formula
and ready to eat foods.
Source of the unknown laboratory
strains used in this research was from
milk (52 isolates), environment (23
isolates) and clinics (15 isolates) which
were collected by Dr. Muytjens of
Department of Medical Microbiology,
University Hospital Nijmegen, The
Netherlands. We also collected 109
samples from food processing company
(dry cereal factory) in three categories
viz., wet samples, dry samples and air
samples out of which 82 Cronobacter
spp. were being isolated. The typed
Cronobacter strains shown below are
from food microbiology laboratory of
Wageningen University and Research
which was used as reference material;
• 6 numbers of Cronobacter
muytjensii isolates
• 12 numbers of Cronobacter
sakazakii isolates
• 8 numbers of Cronobacter
dublinensis isolates
• 6 numbers of Cronobacter
malonaticus isolates and
• 7 numbers of Cronobacter
turicensis isolates.
This research was focused on
collection and identification of
Cronobacter spp. and development of
database by 16S rDNA sequencing and
Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/
Ionization–Time-Of-Flight Mass
Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
techniques. Genomic DNA from
Cronobacter spp. was isolated by using
DNA purification kit from Promega and
agar gel-electrophoresis was carried out
for every PCR products to check the
required DNA amplification before
sending for sequencing. The sequencing
results were used for construction of
phylogeny tree where typed strains and
unknown strains were compared and
also BLAST database of NCBI was
used for identification. To limited extent
API 20E identification system was also
being used.
Comparing two major methods
(16srDNA and MALDI-TOF MS) used,
MALDI-TOF MS technique was found
to be more discriminating for speciation
and 16S rDNA sequencing was found
inconsistent when it comes to
identification of species or subspecies
which are closely related, e.g., between
C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus. NCBI
database (BLAST) was found not very
ideal system for the identification of
Cronobacter spp. to species level.
MALDI-TOF MS was found to allow
high through put and can identify the
unknown strains efficiently provided it
is present in the database that one uses.
Bad sample spotting may also miss
some of the identification, as such it
would be wise to spot as many duplicate
of sample as possible to get right spectra
for identification.
RNR
NEWSLETTER
November 2013
5
The RNR Family would like to
celebrate the rest of the Nation in
celebrating the 106th National
Day. The RNR Family once again
pledges its utmost loyalty and
dedication to the Wangchuck
Dynasty and to the Service of the
Tsa-Wa-Sum.
Long Live Our Beloved Kings!
6
November 2013
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RNR
NEWSLETTER
Sudoku Puzzle
Fill in the grid with digits in such a manner that every row,
every column and every 3x3 box accommodates the digits 1-9,
without repeating any. Answer in the next issue
Announcement
Local Apples available for Sale
Local Apples available for Sale at the rate of Nu
85/Kg for Grade A Apples. Interested buyers may
buy the Apples from Sale Counter, near bridge
opposite Thimphu CFM Market (Sabji Bazzar) or
contact Mr. Tsewang Pemba at
17604088/77329546 for home delivery
-DAMC
ICS Focal Persons for Departments and Agencies
Kindly contact the following focal persons for any related enquiry as designated
MAGIP
NEWSLETTER
A monthly publication of the Market Access & Growth Intensification Project
http://asia.ifad.org/web/magip
November 2013
Kilikhar-Laptsa Farm Road: lifeline for the people
of Drepong Gewog, Mongar
MAGIP
This is a Power Tiller Track (PTT)
conversion, 10 km in length (actual
contract 11.75 km), completed in June
2013 with investment of Nu 13.041
million, benefiting 205 households. The
quality of conversion / construction is
generally good, though gradients of the
road in some places remain fairly steep
requiring further technical intervention
and financial investment. Mr. Khampa,
District Agriculture Officer (DAO) of
Mongar accompanying the mission team
informed that the gradients of the road
could not be reduced in many locations as
the tasks would have gone beyond the
estimates. The mission visited the last
village (Zunglen village under Drepong
Gewog) connected by this farm road. The
mission interacted with members of the
vegetable groups (all women, 10
members; another vegetable group is in
the process of formation with 6 members
initially). Before the village was connected
by this farm road, the villagers got up at
3-4 AM and walked down with head-loads
to Mongar requiring them nearly half day
(about 7-8 hrs walk). Their average
earning was only Nu 200-250 per week or
on each trip during vegetable growing
season. Poverty level was much higher.
After the operation of the farm road, from
this year onwards, the members of
vegetable groups are earning about Nu
1,000-1,500 per week (after deducting
transportation cost) and within 3-4 hrs
time they are able to return to the village
from Mongar. Moreover, all the members
need not go to Mongar to market their
vegetable; members take turn to go to
Mongar on week days taking everyone’s
vegetable in a hired vehicle. Area under
vegetable and wheat cultivation has
increased 3.- 4 times this year and new
vegetables have been introduced (cabbage,
cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus and
carrots) from the traditional ones (radish,
potato, beans and green leaves). The
farmers also mentioned that they have no
problem with water at the moment as the
village is located in the mid-region of the
mountain with sufficient water from the
streams. The farmers are satisfied from the
extension services they receive by way of
timely inputs for seeds and training. The
new group would require training in
improved vegetable cultivation techniques
including sorting, packaging and
transportation to reduce post-harvest loss.
A poly house in the village would be a
great help to raise vegetable seedlings.
The most satisfying aspect of this farm
road is the visible hope and smile that it is
able to generate among the rural farmers.
Not just economic gains through sales of
vegetable and farm products, the farm
road is the lifeline for the people of
Drepong Gewog for access to health,
education and outside world. MAGIP
would do well to follow-up and document
the impacts of such farm roads in aiding to
A panoramic view of Zunglen village
translating the GNH into practical action.
One could truly feel and see the visible
‘happiness’ of the people of Zunglen
village, thanks to the Kilikhar-Laptsa farm
road.
In order to sustain this happiness, it is
important that Road User Group (RUG)
may be formed immediately in line with
the policy of RGoB; unless the local
people and road user beneficiaries actively
participate or even lead in maintenance
and caring of the road, the advantages of
having such farm roads cannot be
sustained too long. MAGIP would do well
to keep on pushing for the formation of
RUG and appropriate capacity building of
the RUG to enable them to perform well
their mandates as members of RUG.
MAGIP may also facilitate for combine
initiatives of Farmers Groups / Vegetable
Groups and RUGs to work together for
best maintenance of farm road for lasting
benefits of the rural communities.
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November 2013
NEWSLETTER
MAGIP Supervision Mission Wrap-Up
Tshering Doma,ICS
28 November, Thimphu: A wrap-up
meeting for the Market Access and
Growth Intensification Project (MAGIP)
supervision mission was held at the
Conference Hall of the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) under
the Chairmanship of the Officiating
Secretary, Mr. Chencho Norbu, the
Director General for the Department of
Forests and Park Services.
The Supervision Team led by Mr.
Harry Franks was in the country from 5
November 2013 to assess the progress
made since the last mission particularly
following the recommendations of the
mid-term review in November 2012.
Addressing the meeting, the Offtg.
Secretary reminded the floor on
MAGIP’s objective of helping poverty
alleviation. He hoped that the mission
would guide and do its best in taking
forward the planned programs of
MAGIP successfully.
Following this, the team presented the
Aide Memoire highlighting the
observations, progress and
recommendations from their field visit
to the project areas of the six eastern
Dzongkhags of Lhuentse, Mongar,
Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Pemagatshel
and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Some of the important progress
during 2012-13 financial year (FY)
included the formation of 114 vegetable
groups and school linking program,
supply of 32 power tillers, improvement
of 34 kms farm roads, construction of
10 kms of new irrigation channels,
Wrap-up meeting for MAGIP Supervision mission in progress
If undelivered please return to:
Information and Communication Services (ICS)
Ministry of Agriculture and Forests
Post Box: 1095, Thimphu-Bhutan
Tel(PABX): 02-323765/321142/322855
Fax: 02-324520
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.moaf.gov.bt
To
setting up of 14 one stop farmer shops
(OSFS) and linking the food corporation
of Bhutan to these OSFS and farmer
groups.
The meeting also discussed financial
achievements and issues amongst
others. It was informed that MAGIP has
done quite well in terms of fund
disbursement with over 83%
achievement against the released fund in
the 1st year and 84% in the financial
year 2012-13.
The mission during their stay also
re-examined the project extension
proposal by 18 months and the concept
note for a new project proposed by the
Royal Government. Besides, they met
with the heads of the departments and
agencies under the Ministry and
Ministry of Finance, development
partners such as the Netherlands
Development Organisation, United
Nations Development Program and
Food and Agriculture Organisation.
MAGIP, a four year project funded by
the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), is in the third
year of its implementation. With about
USD 5M disbursed, the project has
about USD 8.5M balance to implement
in the remaining project period.
In the meantime, the wrap-up meeting
felt necessary to review the Aide
memoire before finalisation. The
concerned stakeholders have been
directed to review the Aide memoire for
concurrence by MoAF and IFAD.