USD 9.7 million projects focus on aquaculture development,  early childhood education, and biogas production                        

YK Poudel

To uplift the livelihoods of farmers, advance inclusive education for all, and promote renewable energy solutions in the country and the region, Bhutan will initiate three major projects under the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Development Fund’s (SDF) social window.

Launched on December 9 marking the 40th SAARC Charter Day, these regional projects commit over USD 9.7 million to initiatives targeting aquaculture development, early childhood education, and biogas production. The projects align with SDF’s mission to foster social and economic development across the region.

The first project titled “Livelihood Enhancement of Small-scale Fish Farmers and Nutrition Security of Rural Populations in the SAARC Region through Aquaculture Development” seeks to transform aqua-culture practices and bolster nutrition security in the country.

The project is also supported in five other SAARC member states: Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

With a budget of USD 3,966,671—comprising USD 3,227,562 from SDF and USD 739,109 as in-kind co-financing—the three-year project is led by the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, India.

The National Research and Development Centre for Aquaculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock will implement the project.

The project focuses on three primary goals: identifying critical aquaculture technologies through comprehensive surveys, developing advanced infrastructure such as feed mills and hatcheries, and providing training programs aimed at empowering women and small-scale farmers.

The second project “Partnership for Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Basic Education” aims to enhance access to inclusive, high-quality learning environments for children, including children with disabilities, in the country along with Nepal.

With a total budget of USD 4.79 million—half of which is funded by SDF and the rest by Save the Children—the three-year project will be managed by Save the Children in collaboration with Bhutan’s Department of School Education and Ability Bhutan Society.

The initiative focuses on creating inclusive learning environments, training caregivers and teachers, and fostering collaborations among various stakeholders to ensure sustainable support for early childhood development.

The third project “Production of Commercial Biogas from Household Waste” aims to address rising energy needs and promote an energy transition from liquified petroleum gas to biogas for urban cooking in Bhutan.

The two-year project, with a budget of USD 948,616—USD 448,616 from SDF and USD 500,000 in co-funding—will be led by the Bhutan Ecological Society. In partnership with the Department of Environment and Climate Change and Thimphu Thromde, the initiative will establish a biogas plant in Thimphu. The facility will process biodegradable waste to produce commercial-grade biogas and biofertilizers.

Finance Minister and SDF governing council member, Lekey Dorji,  highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, and emphasised the role of SAARC in uniting the member states for achieving common goals.

“SAARC stands as a symbol of resilience and unity embodying the desire of its member states to work collectively for progress and mutual benefit,” he said. “Reaffirming our commitment to economic connectivity and human capital development, we shall embrace the immense potential of the region.”

Jamal Uddin Ahmed, officer-in-charge of SDF, at the event shared about the SDF’s role in fostering regional development. “With over 90 projects implemented across 15 thematic areas, SDF’s initiatives reflect our unwavering commitment to social progress, economic growth, and poverty alleviation across South Asia.”

Headquartered in Thimphu, the SDF Secretariat was established in April 2010. With a capital base of over USD 701 million, the SDF has so far supported the region’s development, particularly in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, water, sanitation and renewable energy.

SAARC was established with the signing of its Charter on December 8, 1985, in Dhaka, Bangladesh.