YK Poudel
Paro—Bhutan’s agrifood sector is one of the most impacted sectors by climate change. Regional experts emphasise the need for collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices to ensure that Bhutan’s agricultural sector is not only resilient, but also economically viable in the long term.
At the 2024 Annual International Conference of the Mid-Latitude Region Network (MLNR) in Paro, the chief of the policy and planning division (PPD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Karma Tshering, emphasised the importance of food security and the challenges Bhutan faces in strengthening its agrifood sector.
He highlighted the goals set in the country’s 13th Plan, which aims for an annual growth of 7 to 8 percent, up from the current growth rate of 3 percent.
“While eco-labelling is a viable concept within Bhutan’s national context, the biggest challenge remains the minimal export capacity of Bhutan’s agricultural produce,” said Karma Tshering.
Partnerships in agri-tourism, he said, could help bridge this gap, promoting eco-friendly labelling systems that would enable informed choices by both local consumers and tourists.
Meanwhile, the lack of significant export infrastructure and procedures remains a significant hurdle in scaling up Bhutan’s agrifood sector.
“Bhutan’s food security is crucial not only for its economy but also for its social stability,” he said. “The agriculture sector, which employs over 43 percent of the population, is a backbone of the nation, especially during disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and global agrifood system challenges.”
However, the sector is currently contributing modestly to the national gross domestic product, accounting for only about 15 percent.
According to the ministry’s website, several policies have been put in place to address the agrifood system’s vulnerabilities. These include the Food Nutrition Security Policy, the National Food System Pathways, and the Low Emission Development Strategy.
Yet, the sector still faces significant challenges, including geographical constraints, limited mechanisation, and the ongoing depopulation of farming communities, with women increasingly taking on the majority of farming responsibilities.
According to Karma Tshering, climate-induced weather events such as pests, landslides, and drying water sources continue to threaten Bhutan’s agricultural productivity. “The sector, which emits about 60 percent of the country’s greenhouse gases, is one of the most vulnerable to these changes.”
With 77 percent of irrigation dependent on monsoon-fed water sources, he said that water scarcity led to fallow land in several dzongkhags, further exacerbating food insecurity.
Despite these challenges, the ministry has implemented various interventions, including promoting climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management practices, and the introduction of biogas and improved livestock breeds.
“The Department of Agriculture’s priorities for the 13th Plan include supporting large-scale commercial farming, promoting high-value products for export, enhancing rural livelihoods, and strengthening the country’s ecosystem services to ensure biodiversity resilience,” he said.
Several experts and policymakers from various mountainous nations also discussed the agri-tourism opportunities for making sustainable investment.
Globally, the agri-tourism sector is booming, with the market size increasing from USD 45 billion in 2021 to USD 65.7 billion in 2023, and expected to reach USD 141 billion by 2030.
The conference themed “Accelerating Collaborative Scientific and Policy Response to Climate Change and Improve Socio-Ecological Resilience”, focuses on addressing the pressing impacts of climate change and fostering resilience in mountain ecosystems.
The conference is co-hosted by the OJEong Resilience Institute (OJERI) of Korea University, the Tarayana Foundation, and the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation which ends on December 23.