Bylakuppe: The Tibetan Settlements of Bylakuppe and Hunsur Rabgyaling were visited by the Wise dāna Foundation from Italy from 8th to 10th November 2024 to assess the BBCC project in the settlements. The group comprised of Mr. Filippo Scianna from Wise Dana Foundation, Ms. Enrica Lobina, General Director of Wise Dana Foundation, Ms. Marta Tuchetta, Communication Officer, Ms. Beatrice Marzi, Consultant and Fund Raising Officer, and Mr. Francesco Banfi, Project & Fundraising Officer, who visited Bylakuppe Lugsam Settlement Office on 8th November 2024 (Day one). 

There was a short meeting with the Wise dāna team and discussed the BBCC project with Chief Representative Officer Mr. Jigmey Tsultrim (Additional Secretary) Bangalore, Bylakuppe Lugsam ( TSO Gelek Jungney )& Dickey Larsoe settlement officer (TSO Chime Dorjee), and the ORTC (Organic Research & Training Centre)  Director (Mr. Tsering Dorjee) & Deputy Director (Mr. Tsewang Norbu) . They visited plot numbers 3, 2, and 1 and interacted with regards to the allocated lands. The Lugsam AEO (Agriculture Extension Officer) explained their queries. 

They also visited the farm of a young innovative farmer from Lugsam, who is doing hydroponic cultivation in a controlled environment. He is producing Fireball chilli and also processing chilli for marketing, having obtained an FCCI certificate for marketing his product. They were very impressed by his project. 

On the 2nd day, 9th November 2024, the team visited two plots at camp no. 12 for the BBCC project at Bylakuppe Dickey Larsoe settlement. During the visit, they saw the elephant trenches for elephant protection. They also visited two plots at Lugsam camp no. 2. They interacted with ORTC members regarding the allocated land. The Dickey Larsoe & Lugsam AEOs explained their queries. 

At the end of the BBCC project field visit, they visited the Organic Research and Training Centre (ORTC), Bylakuppe. They interacted with the Director and Deputy Director regarding ORTC activities, such as trials and research on new cash crops and medicinal plants. We showed them the vermi-compost unit and nursery unit, and demonstrated the micro-budding technique. We informed them about the importance of ORTC for Tibetan farmers and the development of agriculture and animal husbandry in Tibetan agricultural settlements in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. 

On the 3rd day, 10th November 2024, they had a short meeting with the settlement officer and staff of the settlements, then visited the BBCC project site at Hunsur Rabgyaling settlement for the assessment. In Hunsur Rabgyaling settlement, there are 2 plots with 9.9 acres of land near D village. During the field visit, the team members interacted with the settlement officer and AEO. The Hunsur Rabgyaling AEO explained their queries, and the assessment of the BBCC project site was completed in Hunsur.