Partnering to scale up organic agriculture in Bhutan
Agriculture is the mainstay of the people of Bhutan. More than 63% of the rural population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. The agricultural practices, by default, are mostly organic in nature, but it is rapidly moving from subsistence farming to modern farming as a result of provisioning enabling policies and improved infrastructure development by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF). This move has led to increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and which is grave a concern to everyone. Therefore, to address this challenging development the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) has a vision of going 100% organic by 2020. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) supports MoAF’s efforts of food production through promotion and strengthening of organic farming practices in the country.
RSPN has implemented several community-based Sustainable Agriculture Program in the eastern, central and southern parts of Bhutan in collaboration with Norlha, a Swiss based NGO and National Organic Program (NOP) of MoAF, RGoB.
Currently, RSPN is implementing ‘Agro-Ecological Farming and Sustainable Land Management’ in southern and central Bhutan in partnership with Organic Denmark, GEF Small Grants Programme-UNDP, and NOP, MoAF, RGoB.
RSPN has many interesting stories and experiences to narrate and share with. Once the documentation of these stories/experiences is completed they will be shared for wider circulation to enhance informed planning and decision-making process and further scale out the Agro-Ecological Farming and Sustainable Land Management concept and technology to other parts of the country.
CURRENT PROJECTS
You can make a Difference
When you donate, you become a part of a dedicated network of individuals and groups working to preserve Bhutan’s pristine natural environment and incredible biodiversity for generations to come. Whatever financial support you pledge will be used to aid our projects in schools, communities, and nature throughout the country. As the nation’s first environmental NGO, we depend on the generosity of concerned individuals like yourself to enable our research and advocacy – we can’t do it without you, and every bit counts!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At RSPN, we believe a single grain of sand can tip the scale. You can be the grain that tips the scale towards improved environmental conditions and conservation efforts in Bhutan. RSPN has set a target to raise US$ 1.5 million for next 10 years.