Reviving Tshowongpoktor: A vision of integrated commercial farming in Trashigang

YK Poudel

Trashigang—In the verdant hills of Darjayling, Yangnyer gewog, Trashigang, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. Once a neglected expanse, the 14.3-acre Tshowongpoktor land is now blossoming into a hub of integrated commercial farming.

This initiative, launched under His Majesty’s People’s Project and inaugurated on July 29, 2018, by His Royal Highness the Gyaltshab Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, seeks to empower youth and revitalise rural livelihoods.

Kintu, a 37-year-old farmer, began his journey in May last year by establishing a poultry farm with an investment of Nu 1.9 million. Supported by the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP), he received a 60:40 matching grant that provided Nu 1 million toward his venture.

Starting with 2,000 birds, Kintu’s early journey was fraught with difficulty—he lost 200 birds in the first year. But persistence paid off. Today, around 1,600 hens are laying eggs, and his operation earned him an income of about Nu 100,000 last year.

“I supply three cartons of eggs weekly to two local schools and various markets across the dzongkhag,” Kintu said. “The government’s ‘one child, one egg’ initiative has been instrumental in creating a steady demand.”

He sells eggs at Nu 11.5 each for retail and Nu 10 wholesale, with each 210-egg carton fetching Nu 2,100. “Despite initial setbacks, the support from CARLEP, including assistance with chicklets, construction materials, and vaccinations, has been invaluable,” he added.

Looking ahead, Kintu plans to automate parts of his operation. “Auto water drinking systems and egg collectors would significantly reduce manual labour, but financial constraints are a challenge,” he said.

He also grapples with social perceptions. “People criticize me for venturing into poultry; nevertheless, I am determined to ensure that the business thrives,” Kintu said.

Like Kintu, Thinley Rinzin, 25, and his three-member team have embraced integrated farming. In just four months, they established a cattle farm with 29 animals, including Jersey and Holstein Friesian breeds. Supported by CARLEP’s 70:30 cost-sharing scheme, they also cultivate passion fruit, cardamom, maize, tomatoes, chili, and onions—an approach aimed at improving soil fertility and diversifying income.

“The land was initially underutilised, leading to low productivity. However, with the assistance of a dzongkhag-provided ploughing tractor, we are revitalizing the soil,” Thinley Rinzin said. “Currently, our expenses exceed income, but we remain optimistic.”

Their dairy farm produces 50 to 60 litres of milk daily, which is sold at Nu 39.5 per liter to Koufuku International Limited, a dairy processing plant in Chenary, Trashigang.

However, transporting produce and milk to market remains a major challenge. Summer rains worsen road conditions, limiting access. “The approved base course work offers hope for improved access and expanded markets,” both Kintu and Thinley Rinzin expressed.

The government’s commitment to infrastructure development is evident. A Nu 5.4 million chain-link fencing project, funded by the Government of India’s Small Development Project, began in February and is set to be completed in August. The fencing will secure the land and enable better farm management.

The Tshowongpoktor project exemplifies what integrated commercial farming can achieve in Bhutan. With sustained support from CARLEP and a focus on sustainability, this initiative is becoming a beacon of hope for rural renewal and youth empowerment.

“If we don’t earn from cattle, we have vegetables or fruits as backup,” said Thinley Rinzin. “Cultivating a variety of crops ensures that if one fails, others compensate.”

This balanced and diversified approach not only improves income stability but also presents a replicable model for sustainable agriculture and rural development across the country.

The story is supported by the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).