Mongabay · Klimaat & natuur

Bhutan's Happiness Philosophy Drives Food Self-Sufficiency Goal

Bhutan is striving for food self-sufficiency by 2029, guided by its national philosophy of Gross National Happiness. The nation faces significant hurdles in achieving this goal.

The Himalayan kingdom's 13th five-year plan aims to boost domestic production and support smallholder farmers, who constitute over 40% of the population. However, Bhutan's mountainous, landlocked geography limits arable land and presents logistical challenges.

Chef and restaurateur Bleu Tshering Dorji highlighted that rugged terrain and poor infrastructure, including unpaved roads and a lack of cold storage, make it difficult for farmers to transport produce to market, impacting quality and freshness.

Labor scarcity is another issue, as young people are leaving agriculture. Dorji emphasized the need to make farming a respected profession for the younger generation.

The government is allocating approximately $180 million for the plan, with a substantial portion directed towards supporting smallholder farmers, many of whom are women.

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