Updated on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 00:00 IST

Thimphu, Feb 18: Three pilot projects on scientific research will be set up in Bhutan under the auspices of SAARC with financial assistance from India.

A MoU to this effect was signed yesterday between Bhutan's acting Foreign Secretary Daw Penjo and Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhir Vyas. The projects are expected to take off by mid this year.

Under the agreement, a shuttle breeding on pulses or scientific research in producing new improved high yielding varieties of pulses for SAARC member states and the seed testing laboratory will be set up either in Yoesepang in Thimphu or Bajo in Wangduephodrang.

The rooftop rainwater harvesting structure will be set up in Zumbabee village in Sarpang district.

"The projects will strengthen the existing breeding programmes for pulse improvement, seed quality and testing facilities in the country," Director of SAARC Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sonam Tshong said.

The proposal to implement such projects in the agriculture sector was made by India, during the 14th SAARC summit held in New Delhi in 2007.

India will finance and provide training facilities required to implement the projects while Bhutan will provide the infrastructure and manpower.

Bureau Report