Chencho Dema

Wangdue—Karma Namgay, a 37-year-old farmer from Phuntshothang in Samdrupjongkhar, is among 16 participants attending a three-day training on climate-smart agricultural technologies. The programme, held at the Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC) in Bajothang, Wangdue, aims to empower farmers and field officers to enhance their practices and generate sustainable income.

This training module is designed to provide participants with practical skills and knowledge in climate-smart technologies, enhancing their ability to implement sustainable agricultural practices in their regions.

Organised by the European Union’s Technical Assistance for Agri-food Systems (EU-TAAS) project, implemented by FAO Bhutan in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the training brought together participants from various organisations, including Tarayana Foundation, Samdrupjongkhar Initiative (SJI) and Farm Machinery Corporation Limited (FMCL) and farmers from across the country.

Karma Namgay, who has been practicing traditional farming for many years, shared that despite his experience, he had never attended any training on climate-smart agricultural technologies, relying solely on knowledge passed down through generations.

“There were times when pests infested my paddy fields, and I felt helpless, not knowing what to do. But thanks to this workshop, I now know how to manage such situations and take the right steps,” he said.

According to the “Assessment for Climate Risks on Agriculture for NAP Formulation”, climate change is having a profound impact on agriculture, particularly on agricultural pests and diseases.

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been identified as a key adaptation measure to address these challenges. However, Bhutanese farmers lack sufficient knowledge of CSA, largely due to the limited availability of training and support. With recent training opportunities, farmers are now optimistic about the potential for positive changes in the agricultural sector.

One participant emphasised the severe impact of climate change on farmers and stressed the importance of training and solutions to tackle these challenges. “By adopting these methods, we can not only improve food sufficiency but also ensure food security,” he said.

The ARDC in Bajothang has introduced eight key CSA technologies: biochar, bokashi, azolla, improved potting media, composting and mulching, rice husk biochar, fermented rice bran fertilizer, Bhutan Agri-Microbial Solution, gelatin solution, starch solution, wood and bamboo vinegar, and water harvesting technology.

These technologies were presented to participants during the training sessions, which were divided into morning and afternoon segments. The morning sessions covered theoretical lessons, introducing participants to various pesticides, weedicides, and best practices for dealing with these challenges. In the afternoons, participants engaged in practical, hands-on training.

As Bhutan aims for a sustainable future in agriculture, climate-smart practices offer a promising solution. By adopting innovative technologies, data-driven strategies, and resilient farming methods, the country is working to overcome the challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, and other pressing agricultural concerns.

The training, which began on September 24, concludes today.

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