India has permitted the import of seven vegetables from Bhutan in an “interim arrangement” and “an exceptional measure only for Bhutan”, considering the plight of farmers and traders there. 

A notification issued by the Indian Embassy in Thimphu said that the Indian government decided to allow the import of seven crops through the plant quarantine station in the Jaigaon border crossing. The decision came after senior officials of both countries held discussions on the issue last week.  

This means the seven vegetables, including chili, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, peas, and soybean would be allowed to export without any hurdles now.

The seven vegetables were not included in the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Order, 2003, which regulates import and prohibition of import of plants and plants product into India.

The move is “aimed at significantly easing the difficulties faced by Bhutanese farmers and traders,” the Indian embassy said in the statement. “The decision is in keeping with the exceptionally close and friendly ties that India shares with Bhutan including mutually beneficial trade relations,” it added. 

Earlier also India lifted the import restriction on potato only for Bhutan, up to 30 June 2022, considering the difficulties faced by Bhutanese traders in exporting potato to India. 

India also said they had been taking concentrated efforts “towards gradually transitioning” all bilateral trade to the formal economy. 

(SAM)