September 11, 2024: The Hon’ble Agriculture Minister, His Excellency Younten Phuntsho, concluded a successful two-day field visit to Sarpang on September 11, 2024. This visit, which took place from September 10 to 11, 2024, included tours to agricultural centres such as the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, the Building Resilient Commercial Smallholder Agriculture (BRESCA) Office, the Regional Seed Centre, National Poultry Development Centre, National Centre for Aquaculture Development, and the National Piggery Development Centre. The Minister also visited various commercial crop and livestock farms in Norbugang, Jigmeling, Taraythang, and Umling, guided by the Dzongkhag Agriculture and Livestock sectors.
During his visit, His Excellency emphasized the critical role of the Ministry’s recently launched 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) on August 28, 2024, which is essential for Bhutan’s ambitious transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a high-income developed nation within the next decade. With projections of a GDP turnover of USD 5 billion by 2029 and USD 10 billion by 2034, the 13th FYP aims to enhance the agrifood sector’s GDP contribution from Nu. 31 billion in 2023 to Nu. 50 billion by 2029. The Minister stated that his visit was aimed at understanding the progress of ongoing projects, identifying challenges, and strategizing solutions to scale up innovative agri-tech farming.
His Excellency also emphasized the necessity of adopting climate-smart and technology-driven agricultural practices that align with the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and its seven core economic clusters. These approaches are anticipated to strengthen Bhutan’s food security, generate employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
Key projects and plans discussed:
- Commercialization of local production: Initiatives to empower youth, farmers, and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs to embrace modern agricultural technologies, focusing on export and demand-driven commodities.
- Smart greenhouses and vertical farming: Promotion of advanced greenhouse technologies and vertical farming to optimize space, reduce resource consumption, and support year-round production of high-value crops.
- Educational centers and community engagement: Establishing educational programs and community gardens to inform residents about sustainable agriculture and involve them in organic farming practices.
- Agri-tourism and eco-tourism: Development of agri-tourism initiatives, including mushroom production, strawberry farms, and sacred gardens, to support responsible tourism linked to eco-tourism and farm stays.
- Enhance post-harvest and market infrastructure: Construction of Export Facilitation Centres, Aggregation Centres, and facilities for processing, packaging, and branding.
- Strategy and support for the elimination of Rabies and dog-mediated rabies from GMC
- Promotion of good aquaculture practices: Strategies to enhance fish production through sustainable aquaculture practices.
- Establishment of Climate-resilient Livestock Farms: Development of large-scale native and modern livestock farms, including dairy, piggery, and poultry, focusing on the production of sustainable food sources.
- Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP): His Excellency urged the effective implementation of ESP loans for agriculture, livestock, and post-production activities, calling on technical departments to provide essential support and monitoring to ensure the success of these initiatives.
This visit reinforced the Ministry’s commitment to developing an innovative agriculture and livestock system, aimed at meeting Bhutan’s growing food demands, enhancing farmers’ livelihoods, and contributing to GDP.
