Mongabay · Natuur

Bhutan's pursuit of happiness takes root on its farms

Bhutan aims for food self-sufficiency by 2029 under its 13th five-year plan, guided by its national philosophy of Gross National Happiness. However, the landlocked nation faces challenges including rugged terrain, limited arable land, and logistical issues.

Chef and restaurateur Bleu Tshering Dorji highlighted that Bhutan's mountainous geography limits agricultural land and presents difficulties in transporting produce, impacting quality and freshness. The five-year plan seeks to boost domestic production and support smallholder farmers, who constitute over 40% of the workforce.

Labor scarcity is another issue, as young people leave farming. The government is investing approximately $180 million, with a significant portion directed towards smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. Initiatives include introducing smaller, women-operable farm machinery.

Human-wildlife conflict, exacerbated by conservation laws, is also a concern. While the government is building extensive fencing, criticism suggests a need for more varied strategies. For restaurateur Dorji, the future of farming lies in integrating it with nature, emphasizing its role in sustaining landscapes, communities, and culture, not just food production.

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