Mountain Hazelnuts harvested 10.4 metric tonnes of hazelnuts last year, an increase from 5.5 metric tonnes in 2023

Neten Dorji

Mongar—Hazelnut growers from across the country were recognised for their contributions to the agricultural sector at the Hazelnut Growers Awards held in Mongar yesterday.

Organised by Mountain Hazelnuts in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), the event recognised the achievements of farmers who contributed to boosting the production and quality of hazelnuts, driving the growth of hazelnut industry in the country.

The awards recognised growers in the quantity-based category in hazelnut farming.

The top honour of Hazelnut Grower of the Year was awarded to 45-year-old farmer Tashi Lhamo from Trashiyangtse, who produced 537 kilogrammes (kg) of hazelnut this year.

“This award is not just for me but for all the growers committed to sustainable hazelnut farming. Together, we can make Bhutan a leader in quality hazelnut production,” she said.

Tashi Lhamo expressed her desire to grow more hazelnut plants and increase production over the years. “In the past, many hazelnut growers doubted whether the plants would bear fruit and were discouraged. But now, many are keen to cultivate hazelnuts.”

The second-place award went to Karma, a 73-year-old farmer from Metsho gewog in Lhuentse, who harvested 394 kg of hazelnuts.

“There are many challenges in growing hazelnuts, but I believe management and patience are key to increasing production. This award motivates me to continue exploring new ways to improve our farming practices,” said Karma.

Karma, 73, bagged the second place award

Karma plans to plant more hazelnut trees on his remaining eight-acre fallow land. “Hereafter, I will encourage more fellow farmers to grow hazelnuts since there is no market problem for them. We can produce as much as we can.”

Tashi Norbu, 51, from Tang gewog in Bumthang, who produced 227 KG of hazelnut bagged the third  award.

Tashi Norbu won the third-place award

“Farming is not just about growing crops; it’s about growing communities. I am honoured to receive this award and will continue to work towards making our community self-sufficient and prosperous,” he said.

Mountain Hazelnuts recognised 13 top-performing growers at the event.

The advocacy officer of Mountain Hazelnuts, Kinley Tshering, praised the farmers’ resilience and commitment. “The efforts of our hazelnut growers are vital to the company as well as the economy. Their dedication ensures that we maintain high standards and contribute to the global market,” he said.

The director of the DAMC, Tashi Dorji, said the department is ready to support growers. “To enhance the income of farmers, we are ready to help with marketing in collaboration with Mountain Hazelnuts,” he said.

Mongar Dzongdag, Lungten Jamtsho, highlighted the importance of engaging in diversified products. “The success stories of these awardees serve as an inspiration, proving that farming can be both rewarding and forward-thinking,” he said.

The hazelnut industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with increasing production, exports, and a rising reputation for quality produce.

Currently, 8,298 households are actively growing hazelnuts on 4,780 acres of land in 19 dzongkhags.

Mountain Hazelnuts harvested 10.4 metric tonnes last year, an increase from 5.5 metric tonnes in 2023.

Last year, Mountain Hazelnuts exported products worth USD 10,000, making hazelnuts one of the top agricultural export products from Bhutan.

Mountain Hazelnuts also announced that the company has raised the price of hazelnuts to Nu 150 per kg this year to ensure fair compensation for farmers and discourage side selling.

The company is also exploring markets in Australia, Singapore, and India.