YK Poudel

Chanachen village in Geling Gewog, Chukha is on the threshold of a major transformation. A Japanese company renowned for its expertise in natural food production, Sun Smile Co., Limited, will adopt the village as a model for organic farming.

The initiative, titled ‘Improvement of Low-Input Organic Farming Techniques and Stable Sales’  aims to support local farmers grappling with low yields and limited market access.

The project’s goal is to enhance income through advanced organic farming methods and improved sales stability.

The Department of Agriculture Marketing and Co-operatives (DAMC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bhutan Office formalised the partnership with the signing of the Minutes of Meeting on September 3.

DAMC Director Tashi Dorji and JICA Bhutan Office Chief Representative Tomoyuki Yamada signed the document.

Project Formulation Advisor of JICA Bhutan Office, Shin Suto, said that this is a part of the JICA’s Technical Cooperation Project. “With the signing of Minutes of Meeting, the village will be supported by Sun Smile Co., Limited, with focus on local and niche agricultural commodities in the village.”

The expected outputs of the project are to increase income of the farmers through adoption of organic farming techniques by improving low-input organic farming techniques and improvement of sales, price, and stable production of organic commodities.

“The Japanese company implementing the project has over 25 years of experience in production and sales of naturally grown and organic foods,” Shin Suto said.

Set to run until November 2027, this project is aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1—No poverty, SDG 2—Zero hunger, and SDG 8—Decent work and Economic growth.

As a part of the project, the Japanese company will introduce and improve the concept of low-input organic cultivation technology in collaboration with the National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA) in Yusipang.

“The project will introduce chemical-free fertilizer, natural cultivation methods, and low-input organic farming techniques,” Shin Suto said. “Soil improvement methods and trial farming will be enhanced through NCOA assistance.”

The project will also conduct market research in Thimphu, exploring effective marketing strategies with local food vendors and aggregators to establish robust sales channels. While Thimphu is a primary market, opportunities in Paro and Phuentsholing will also be explored to expand the reach of the village’s organic produce.