Bhutan will export oranges to Bangladesh through Dawki land customs station in Meghalaya, official sources said.
Following a nod from New Delhi, a delegation from Bhutan comprising members from Bhutan Chamber of Commerce, Bhutan Import and Export Association, Bhutan-Indo Friendship Association and other officials arrived at Dawki recently to complete the formalities.
The Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is implementing a Centrally-sponsored Scheme on Technology Mission for integrated development of horticulture in North- eastern States (TMNE) including Sikkim since 200-02.
It is said to be the only place in the world to house the mother plant of citrus-Indica (orange). And for this, the world's first citrus gene sanctuary was established in this reserve. Now, the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment has forwarded the nomination of Nokrek Biosphere Reserve in Garo Hills of Meghalaya for UNESCO recognition on the world network of biosphere reserves. Foresters say that forwarding of the nomination implies that the Nokrek Biosphere Reserve is admitted to be a pristine area and a biodiversity hotspot.
A geographical indication (GI) is a form of protection highlighted in the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It protects intangible economic assets such as the quality and reputation of a product through market differentiation. It is considered a promising tool at the international level to maintain multifunctionality in rural landscapes and involve local populations in biodiversity management and conservation.
