February 21, 2025, Monggar: Coinciding with the 45th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The King, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL) officially launched the 4th Phase of the Million Fruit Trees Plantation Program (MFTP) today at Kidhekhar Shedra, Monggar Gewog under in Monggar Dzongkhag. The event, implemented in partnership with Desuung National Service, marked the commencement of the temperate fruit tree plantation of the 4th phase of MFTP and was graced by the Honโble Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock attended by officials from the Ministryโs Headquarters, Local Government, and the community representatives of Kidhekhar.
Since its inception of the MFTP in 2022, the Program has planted over 3.2 million saplings across the country in an area spanning over 32,000 acres with a total expenditure of Nu. 458 million.
The 4th phase of MFTP will focus on planting approximately 1.1 million high-value seedlings, including pecan nuts, walnuts, apples, kiwi, almonds, pears, avocados, mandarins, macadamia nuts, mangoes, limes, agarwood, bodhi, and coffee.
A key highlight of this phase is the sourcing of all required seedlings domestically, from over 60 private and government nurseries, in contrast to previous phases where most seedlings were imported. Additionally, this phase will prioritize commercial-scale plantations to enhance economies of scale and increase farmers’ incomes.
The program will be executed in partnership with Desuung National Service engaging over 900 Desuups. With an approved budget of Nu. 182 million, the program is expected to benefit more than 15,000 farmers nationwide.
#Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
