During the Question Hour Session today, the Ministers in Group B were asked a total of six questions for oral responses. One question was asked to the Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoESD) and all other five to the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL). 

The Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoESD) was questioned on the plan for those class XII graduates of Arts subjects with more emphasis being placed on STEM subjects in recent years. 

Responding to those concerns, the Minister acknowledged the autonomy of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) in terms of higher education. The Minister informed that the focus was moved to STEM subjects considering the limited job opportunities for Arts. However, MoESD affirmed its commitment to supporting arts students with the introduction of numerous vocational training institutions for skill development. Additionally, RUB colleges offer various programs catering to arts streams, including Bachelor's in Science and Sustainable Development, Bachelor's in Law, Diploma in Nursing, among others. Scholarships covering 50.4% of costs are also provided to assist arts students. Moreover, private colleges offer programs related to arts disciplines as well.

The Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) was questioned on the plans to facilitate marketing and export of potatoes and establishment of local auction centers, and initiatives to procure combined paddy harvesters to support rice farmers and alleviate labor shortages in agriculture. Additionally, the Minister was also questioned about efforts to combat water scarcity in Tsirang for rice cultivation, distribution of power tillers through interest-free loans, and the plan for establishment of a Food Corporation of Bhutan (FCB) outlet in Lunana.

In response, the MoAL Minister emphasized the economic importance of potatoes as a national cash crop, particularly in regions like Wangdue, where they are vital for local livelihoods. The Minister highlighted Bhutan's substantial potato production, and its capacity to export 22,000 metric tons. Furthermore, the MoAL has collaborated closely with BFDA to enhance production, including the construction of cold stores capable of holding over 100 metric tonnes across various locations such as Gelephu, Phuentsholing, Khaling, Zhemgang, Paro, Samtse, Samtse and Phobjikha, with many nearing completion.

Additionally, the Minister highlighted that rice holds utmost significance as a staple food in Bhutan. Despite a decrease in rice production last year leading to imports from India, the ministry is actively striving for self-sufficiency. The Minister pointed out that only 29% of agricultural land currently has irrigation facilities. To address this, the ministry plans to implement six Irrigation Water Flagships under the 13th Five-Year Plan, which aims to benefit 1200 acres of land.