We stand at a critical juncture—the promises made to revive the agriculture sector can no longer remain just promises. The recent commitment of various agencies to support youth entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector is a positive sign, hinting at a new dawn for a sector that has been left to wither for far too long. In our quest for sustainable development, no sector is as crucial as agriculture, not just for economic growth, but also for the very sovereignty of our nation.
The challenges facing our agriculture sector are formidable, indeed. Bhutan’s small population, combined with market access issues and environmental challenges like unpredictable weather patterns, poses significant hurdles. Add to this the persistent problem of human-wildlife conflicts, which result in annual crop losses of at least 40 percent. However, these challenges must not be excuses for inaction. They should, instead, serve as an urgent call for innovation and reform in our approach to agriculture.
Traditional farming methods and the limited investments made so far have not yielded the desired results. The time for change is now. Recognising this, the government has made some commendable strides by allocating Nu 10 million annually to support new agrifood startups on a cost-sharing basis. Earmarking of Nu two billion from the economic stimulus plan and local government grants for youth initiatives in gewogs is a step in the right direction. These measures offer a glimmer of hope that, with the right support, the agriculture sector can be given a new lease of life.
Yet, the reality on the ground remains stark. Bhutan has only about eight percent of its total land—approximately 277,000 acres—considered as arable. More concerning is the fact that just a fraction of this, roughly 23 percent, is currently under cultivation. This is a clear indicator that despite the potential and the promises, our agricultural sector is not being fully utilised. This underutilisation of our arable land is a missed opportunity that we can no longer afford.
What we now need is a concerted, State-directed investment in agriculture, an investment that is not just monetary but also strategic. We must rethink our agricultural policies, introduce modern farming techniques, and provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure that our youth entrepreneurs can thrive in this sector. We need to create a framework that encourages innovation and supports farmers not just in growing crops, but also in accessing markets, both local and international.
The path to self-sufficiency is not just about producing enough food to feed our population; it is about asserting our national sovereignty. In a world that is increasingly unpredictable, where global supply chains can be disrupted in an instant, Bhutan cannot afford to remain complacent.
Our future lies in the hands of those who till the land, those who innovate in the face of adversity, and those who believe in the power of self-sufficiency. Put simply, our very sovereignty depends on it.