Agritech and forestry is one of the seven core economic clusters identified for Gelephu Mindfulness City
Lhakpa Quendren
Gelephu—The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MOAL) is currently working on a plan to develop an innovative agriculture and livestock system in Sarpang to align with the vision of Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
Agritech and forestry is one of the seven core economic clusters identified for GMC.
The agriculture and livestock minister and MOAL officials were in Sarpang on September 10 and 11 to evaluate ongoing projects, address field challenges, and strategise on scaling up innovative agri-tech solutions.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho highlighted the need for climate-smart, technology-driven agricultural practices that align with GMC’s vision. “These innovations will enhance Bhutan’s food security, create job opportunities, and drive economic growth,” Lyonpo said.
Lyonpo said that the technical departments must provide necessary support, monitoring, and back-stopping to ensure the success and effective implementation of Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) loans for agriculture, livestock, and post-production activities.
The plan includes commercialisation of local production to support youth, farmers, and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs by adopting modern agricultural technologies for better economic returns, with a focus on export and demand-driven commodities.
The ministry also plans to introduce smart greenhouses and vertical farming to maximise space, reduce resource consumption, and support year-round production of high-value crops.
Educational centres and community gardens will be established to raise awareness on sustainable agriculture and encourage local residents to take up organic farming.
Agro-tourism initiatives, such as mushroom production, strawberry farms, and sacred gardens, will be introduced to support eco-tourism and local farm stays.
Other plans include the construction of export facilitation centres, aggregation centres, and facilities for processing, packaging, and branding to enhance post-harvest and market infrastructure.
The minister also discussed the establishment of climate-resilient livestock farms through the development of large-scale native and modern livestock operations, including dairy, piggery, and poultry, with a focus on producing sustainable food sources.
The ministry will promote good aquaculture practices to enhance fish production through sustainable methods.
Lyonpo said that the ministry’s plan is pivotal in achieving the projected GDP turnover of USD 5 billion by 2029 and USD 10 billion by 2034. “The 13th Plan is crucial as Bhutan transitions from a Least Developed Country to a high-income developed nation within the next decade.”
In the 13th Plan, the ministry aims to increase the sector’s GDP contribution from Nu 31 billion in 2023 to Nu 50 billion by 2029.
Lyonpo visited the Agriculture Research and Development Centre, the Building Resilient Commercial Smallholder Agriculture Office, the Regional Seed Centre, the National Poultry Development Centre, the National Centre for Aquaculture Development, and the National Piggery Development Centre.
Lyonpo also toured the existing crop and livestock commercial farms in Norbugang, Jigmeling, Taraythang, and Umling, led by the Dzongkhag Agriculture and Livestock sectors.