Annual Report 2019-2020

Ministry of Agriculture & Forests Royal Government of Bhutan

NSSC

National Soil Services Centre

Department of Agriculture.

Annual Report 2019 – 2020

National Soil Services Centre

FOREWORD The National Soil Services Centre (NSSC) ispleasedtopublishitsAnnualReportfor2019- FinancialYearhighlightingtheachievementsmadeduringtheyearandafewspilloveractivitiesnotc 20 ompletedduringthelastreportingperiodduetolongertimerequiredforimplementation and to see the intended results.

Considered as a pexagency for providing soil and land related information and services in the country, the Centre continued to work on the given mandates persistently viz.

(1)generationofsoilinformationthroughproductionofsoilmaps,reports,databases&establishlandca pabilityandsuitability class systems for optimal use of the limited land resources; (2) evaluation of inherent soil fertility status to form a basis for fertilizer recommendation&soilamendments–

generatingscientificdatanecessaryforlandusers and decision makers; (3) combating land degradation ensuring protection of the country’s limited land resources – also to include protection of water sources for drinking, irrigation and hydropower; (4) assessment of soil

nutrient budgets nation-wide to develop an efficient integrated plant nutrient management Copyright©2020 system and (5) exploring & harnessing beneficial microbial resources in soil for agricultural Published by: National Soil Services Centre, Semtokha production and promote environment-friendly plant nutrient sources & soil fertility management Department of Agriculture techniques. Ministry of Agriculture & Forests

Editors: During 2019-2020FinancialYear, with the grant of Nu.1.402 million from Bhutan Trust Fund Dr. Karma Dema Dorji for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) approved for the project “Working towards achieving Mr. Tashi Wangdi degradation neutral status: protect, sustain and restore”; Nu. 7.096 million from GEF/LDCF Mr. Tsheten Dorji Mr. Suraj Chhetri Project towards “Enhancing sustainability and climate resilience of forest and agriculture landscapes and community livelihoods in Bhutan”; Nu.1.402 million from Rural Development Report Compiled by: and Climate Change Response Programme (RDCCRP); Nu.2.159 million from GCF and Nu. Mr. Sonam Tenzin, SSU 0.600 million from UNCCD as small grant, the Land Management Unit of the Centre continued Write-up Contributors: to focus on the planned sustainable All Units landmanagementactivitiesoftheprojects.Thesupportsfromtheaboveprojectsaregeared towards

Suggested Citation: enhancement of land productivity through improved management practices, NSSC, 2020, Annual Report 2018-2019. cropdiversificationandreducedlossofsoilwithadequatewater&nutrientssupplyfrom the system due National Soil Services Centre (NSSC), Semtokha, Thimphu. to change in landforms. At the end of the project, some acres of degraded land and mostly Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Forests vulnerable dry land will have been protected and restored through implementation of different For a copy of the report, contact: sustainable land management approaches and technologies. Programme Director National Soil Services Centre P.O. Box 907 As synthesis of the achievements made by the five Units of the Centre during the year, there Thimphu, Bhutan port attempts to highlight some of the major achievements made through sheer hard work and Tel: +975 2 351037/351194/351182 Email:[email protected] commitment of the staff of the Centre. Website: www.nssc.gov.bt Like in the past years, activities comprised both planned and adhoc ones, all of which were successfully implemented despite some restrictions due to the COVID19. Land Management

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Considered as a pexagency for providing soil and land related information and services in the country, the Centre continued to work on the given mandates persistently viz.

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Unit with support from other Units mainly the Soil Survey Unit was very busy especially Contents towards the end of the year with numerous requests for technical support to develop fallow land FOREWORD ...... III mainly within Thimphu. The Unit also provided support to develop fallow land in other Glossary of acronyms ...... IX Dzongkhags and the most notable ones being the Wobthang Agriculture Project in Tang, 1.Introduction ...... 1 Bumthang and Lingtoed, Langthel, Trongsa. The Soil Survey Unit, in addition to its other 2. Organogram of the Centre ...... 4 planned & ad-hoc activities, continued to focus on digital mapping exercise with soil surveys 3. Achievement Highlights ...... 5 conducted in several Dzongkhags with the aim to ultimately produce soil maps. The Soil & 3.1 Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory Services...... 5 Plant Analytical Laboratory continued to provide the analytical services to the clients while Soil Microbiology Unit had been very busy with the National Organic Flagship Program activities 3.1.1 Sample Analyses Output ...... 5 besides also being busy with on-station organic trials, production and supply of EM (effective 3.1.2Soil Samples for chemical analysis ...... 6 micro-organism) solution and green manuring trials. Similarly the Soil Fertility Unit 3.1.3Samples received for chemical analysis on a monthly basis ...... 7 implemented several fertilizer use trials, training on soil fertility management in close coordination with the Dzongkhags. 3.1.4Plant Samples ...... 7 3.1.5 Water Sample ...... 8 WhilecongratulatingthestaffofthisCentreforsuccessfullyachievingthesettargetsthrough their sheer 3.1.6 International Proficiency Testing with WEPAL ...... 8 hard work & dedication, I would also like to acknowledge the consistent support and assistance 3.2 Soil Fertility Services ...... 8 of individuals, agencies/organizations and stakeholders both within and outside the Ministry of 3.2.1 IPNMon Paddy ...... 9 Agriculture & Forests for the success of this Centre. 3.2.2 IPNM on use of Green Manure on paddy ...... 10 Lastly, I hope that the information contained in this publication will serve as a useful source of 3.2.3 IPNM trial in Maize ...... 12 information and reference to all the readers comprising academics, development workers, researchers, students and all those advocating rural development and/or sustainable agriculture 3.2.4 IPNM in Apple orchard...... 12 with special interest in soil and sustainable land management. 3.2.5 IPNM in Citrus orchard...... 13

Tashi Delek!!! 3.2.6 Farmers’ training on IPNM ...... 14 3.2.7 National Organic Flagship Program ...... 14

3.2.8 Ad-hoc activities ...... 14

3.3 Land Management Services ...... 15 Dr. Karma Dema Dorji 3.3.1 Project funded activities ...... 15 Programme Director 3.3.2 Technical Assistance to Dzongkhags ...... 20

3.3.3 ALD for commercial agriculture – a response to COVID-19 pandemic ...... 22

3.4 Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Services ...... 24 3.4.1 Soil Survey ...... 24 3.4.2 Feasibility Study ...... 25 3.4.3 Soil Investigation ...... 27 3.4.3.1 Soil Investigation at Majathang, MongarDzongkhag ...... 27 3.4.3.2 Soil Investigation at Taksha, WangduePhodrangDzongkhag ...... 29

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Tashi Delek!!! 3.2.6 Farmers’ training on IPNM ...... 14 3.2.7 National Organic Flagship Program ...... 14

3.2.8 Ad-hoc activities ...... 14

3.3 Land Management Services ...... 15 Dr. Karma Dema Dorji 3.3.1 Project funded activities ...... 15 Programme Director 3.3.2 Technical Assistance to Dzongkhags ...... 20

3.3.3 ALD for commercial agriculture – a response to COVID-19 pandemic ...... 22

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3.4.4 Land Conversion ...... 30 List of Figures 3.4.5 Land management activities carried out in collaboration with LMU ...... 31 Figure 1:Number of soil samples received for chemical analyses from different Dzongkhags ...... 6 Figure2: Dzongkhags where IPNM was carried out ...... 9 3.4.6 Cartographic composition of maps ...... 31 Figure3: Yield comparison between RP (Recommended practice) and FP ...... 9 3.5 Soil Microbiology Services ...... 32 Figure4: Soil from RP contain high soil nutrients ...... 10 Figure 5: Difference in nutrient content in fields with and without Dhaincha ...... 11 3.5.1 EM solution production and distribution ...... 32 Figure6: Dhaincha grown before paddy transplantation in Phuntshothang ...... 11 3.5.2 Integrated plant nutrient management technologies promoted (legume seeds) ...... 32 Figure7: Final yield after crop cut ...... 11 3.5.3 Promotion of Organic fertilizer ...... 32 Figure8: Marking crop cut area (6 m^2) ...... 11 Figure9: Visual difference in paddy color ...... 11 3.5.4 Bio-fertilizers trail at ARDCs ...... 33 Figure10: Soil result from IPNM pre and post-trial on apple ...... 12 3.5.5Isolation and identification of native earthwormspecies for vermi-composting ...... 33 Figure11: Soil result of IPNM trial on citrus orchard ...... 13 3.6 National Organic Flagship Program ...... 34 Figure12: New terraces of Nubi gewog, Trongsa (Top) and Before & After ALD at Radhi, Shingkhar gewog, Zhemgang ...... 17 3.6.1 Implement sustainable land management practices in land identified for organic production Figure13: Change in production landscape through Napier grass hedgerows and bench terracing in (SLM) ...... 34 Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup-Jongkhar Dzongkhag ...... 18 3.6.2 Establish 2 large scale organic fertilizer production plants including equipment and packaging Figure 14: GCF Project Dzongkhags ...... 19 at strategic locations...... 36 Figure15: Establishment of soil erosion plot at ARDC Yusipang and Participatory SLM Action planning 3.6.3 Promote, support & encourage small scale household level production of quality organic exercise in Climate Smart Village – Napchey, Lingmukha gewog, Punakha ...... 20 fertilizer (FYM, vermi-compost, bio-slurry) through capacity building, inputs and incentives...... 36 Figure 16:Hands on training to gewog extension officers of Tsirang and reviving fallow land at Khatoed, Gasa ...... 21 3.6.4 Promote the use of organic fertilizers in organic production sites...... 37 Figure 17: Dzongkhag wise ALD/SLM progress for FY2019-20 ...... 22 3.6.5 Train the farmers and youths on organic in-puts ...... 39 Figure 18:Before and after ALD at Wobthang, Tang gewog under Bumthang Dzongkhag ...... 23 Figure 19: Land development at Babena & sub-surface drainage construction at Chamina, Thimphu .... 24 3.6.6 Establish functional microbiology lab for production of microbial bio-fertilizers ...... 41 Figure 20: Profile points in the four Dzongkhags ...... 25 3.6.7 Construction of bio- fertilizer and organic fertilizer store ...... 41 Figure 21: Profile points distribution ...... 27 3.6.8 Household level FYM/Compost production plants ...... 42 Figure 22: Majathang orchard location and distribution of profile and auger points in Majathang orchard ...... 27 3.6.9 Feasibility study to determine setting of bio-fertilizer ...... 43 Figure 23: LNT quarry site at Taksha ...... 30 3.6.10 Assess the use of bio-fertilizer/manures ...... 44 Figure 24: Different sites of land development ...... 31 3.6.11 Study N2 fixation efficiency by different leguminous plants (5 treatments) ...... 45 Figure 25: Chili on-station trial at ARDC Samtenling, Sarpang ...... 33 Figure 26: Earthworm for vermin compost ...... 34 3.6.12 Study and document local microbial profiles ...... 46 Figure 27: Land development program for organic sites at Gasa Dzongkhag………………………………35 3.6.13 Conduct trial on different bio/organic products on selected crops ...... 46 Figure 28: Financial support to upscale and new manure production units…………………………………37 4. Financial progress ...... 47 Figure 29: Hands on training on composting…………………………………………………………………….39 4.1 Overall Budget and Expenditures ...... 47 Figure 30: Photos taken during field monitoring………………………………………………………………...46 Figure 31: Aquabiota research on rice in collaboration with all ARDCs…………………………………….47 Annex –1: Staff Strength ...... 49

Annex –2: List of Publications ...... 50 Annex –3: Thesis and dissertations on soil and land management ...... 52

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Annex –2: List of Publications ...... 50 Annex –3: Thesis and dissertations on soil and land management ...... 52

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List of Tables Glossary of acronyms Table 1:Number of soil samples processed for the period from 1st July 2019-16th June 2020 ...... 5 Table 2:Monthly inflow of Samples for chemical analysis...... 7 Table 3: The monthly sample inflow of plant samples...... 7 BHUSOD Bhutan Soil Databank Table 4:Monthly irrigation Water Samples inflow ...... 8 BTFEC Bhutan Trust Fund for Environment Conservation Table 5: Difference in rice grain yield with and without Dhaincha (2018-2019) ...... 10 Ca Calcium Table 6: Dzongkhag-wise apple trees under IPNM ...... 12 CEC Cation Exchange Capacity Table 7:Yield comparison between RP and FP at two sites...... 12 CNR College of Natural Resources, RUB Table 8:Citrus in two Dzongkhags under IPNM ...... 13 DAO Dzongkhag (District) Agriculture Officer Table 9:Difference in citrus production with and without application of fertilizers ...... 13 DASA Development of Agriculture Support Activities Table 10:Yield data from recommended practice ...... 14 DGM Department of Geology & Mines, MoEA Table 11: Activity summary for 2019-2020 ...... 14 DoA Department of Agriculture, MoAF Table 12:GEF-LDCF funded achievements ...... 16 Table 13:BTFEC Project progress (from July – December 2019) ...... 17 DoFPS Department of Forests & Park Services, MoAF Table 14: GCF project progress (January – June 2020) ...... 19 DoHS Department of Hydromet Services Table 15:TA provided to Dzongkhags ...... 20 EA Extension Agent Table 16: ALD for commercial agriculture ...... 22 EEC European Economic Community Table 17: Survey completed during the fiscal year 2019-2020 ...... 24 Fe Iron Table 18: LCC results of the surveyed sites ...... 26 FEFUT Farmer Extension Fertilizer Use Trial Table 19: Interpretation of inherent soil fertility results: ...... 28 FRMD Forest Resources Management Division, DoFPS Table 20: Bulk density of the orchard soils ...... 29 FYM Farm Yard Manure Table 21: Donor funded projects’ expenditures ...... 48 GPS Global Positioning System Table 22: RGoB budget expenditures ...... 48 GYT GewogYargyeTshogchhung

K Potassium

LMU Land Management Unit

LTS Long-Term Studies

masl meters above sea level Mg Magnesium Mn Manganese MoAF Ministry of Agriculture & Forests, RGoB MoEA Ministry of Economic Affairs, RGoB N Nitrogen Na Sodium

NH Ammonium 4 NO3 Nitrate NSSC National Soil Services Center, DoA PT Proficiency Testing RGoB Royal Government of Bhutan RNR Renewable Natural Resources RNR-RDC Renewable Natural Resources – Regional Development Center RUSLE Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation

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K Potassium

LMU Land Management Unit

LTS Long-Term Studies

masl meters above sea level Mg Magnesium Mn Manganese MoAF Ministry of Agriculture & Forests, RGoB MoEA Ministry of Economic Affairs, RGoB N Nitrogen Na Sodium

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SFM Soil Fertility Management 1. Introduction SFU Soil Fertility Unit Initially started off with the infrastructure development for the laboratory in 1991-92 with SLM Sustainable Land Management budgetary assistance from the project – Development of Agriculture Support Activities (DASA) SMU Soil Microbiology Unit funded by European Economic Community (EEC), the Center, considered the resource and SPAL Soil & Plant Analytical Laboratory, NSSC referral center to provide advisory & other services related to soil & land management. The SSU Soil Survey Unit, NSSC Center with the vision “To ensure sustainable agriculture and national food security through UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification sustainable management of soil and land-based natural resources” has prescribed to three WEPAL Wageningen Evaluation Programs for Analytical Laboratories missions: - FY Fiscal Year  to make soil information readily available on time to make informed decision;  to work towards making Bhutan a Land Degradation Neutral country; and  to become a Centre of excellence in providing soil and land management services.

While pursuing the ascribed vision and mission, a set of mandates has been drawn based on which the five Units of the Center aspires to function efficiently viz.  to produce the national soil map of Bhutan for various planning and monitoring purposes;  to promote integrated soil nutrient management for optimal crop production;  to provide analytical services to the farmers and other clients;  to combat land degradation through promotion of SLM technologies and approaches; and  to build the capacity of RNR staff on soil survey, integrated soil nutrient management and sustainable land management.

Taking ownership and shouldering appropriate responsibilities for fulfilling the above mandates, the Center has following five different Units: -

Soil & Plant Analytical Laboratory(SPAL) – The laboratory caters to requirement for analytical services on soil, plant, water and farm yard manure (FYM)/compost sample analysis – analyzing some 2,500 samples each year on an average determining the inherent nutrient/mineral contents in the samples. In soil samples, the analysis aims to assess the inherent soil nutrient content to make balanced fertilizer recommendation and similarly in plant samples, the nutrient content in the plant tissues is determined to assess if there is any deficiency or toxicity of some nutrients. In water analysis, the mineral content is looked at to assess the quality for irrigation or drinking. In fertilizer & FYM samples, the nutrient content is examined to evaluate their quality in terms of supplying the plant nutrients.

Soil Fertility Unit(SFU) was established after the Dutch Government funded Project “Sustainable Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrient Management Project” (SSF&PNMP) implemented from 1996 to 2000 to provide a more comprehensive soil related services specifically to assess countrywide soil nutrient budget; establish nationwide fertilizer program; and develop efficient integrated soil-plant nutrient management system – the mandates to be achieved through on-farm

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Taking ownership and shouldering appropriate responsibilities for fulfilling the above mandates, the Center has following five different Units: -

NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page X NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 1 fertilizer trials; long-term studies on different crops; capacity building of Extension Agents (EAs) and farmers; and investigation of soils with nutrient problems. Regional Soil Services Unit (RSSU) Based on the last OD exercise outcome of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Soil Units were instituted in all Agriculture Research & Land Management Unit(LMU) has been established after the Global Environment Facility Development Centres (ARDCs) during 2017-2018 to support NSSC in discharging its mandates (GEF)/World Bank (WB) funded 6-year project on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and responsibilities. The Regional Soil Services Units (RSSU) are manned by two soil focal implemented from 2006 to 2012 was phased out in order to sustain the initiatives of the project. persons in each region and NSSC is responsible for providing all technical support to build the The Unit is mandated to (1) combat land degradation and bring vulnerable land under SLM; (2) capacities of the staff. ensure sustainable agriculture and contribute to national food security, rural livelihood improvement & environmental protection and (3) fulfill the requirements of UNCCD as a In addition to the mandate of coordinating research and extension activities associated with soil member country. In the process of fulfilling its mandate, the Unit implements activities and land management, the Center is also the resource and referral Centre for all soil and land comprising scaling up of SLM; promotion of SLM through campaigns; degraded land management related issues. The Centre has been designated as the focal agency for the United investigation; and build capacities of EAs and farmers on various aspects of SLM with regard to Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) focusing mainly on land degradation. sustainable agriculture, climate change and biodiversity conservation. The Unit has been It is also the focal point for the Asian Soil Partnership (ASP) under the umbrella of the FAO's entrusted with an additional important responsibility of carrying out agriculture land Global Soil Partnership (GSP).The Centre is also a member of the South-East Asia Laboratory development in the country for increased food production, employment generation, farm Network (SEALNET). This network aims to: mechanization, among other benefits. 1. Calibrate and harmonize soil testing procedures and practices in laboratories in the ASEAN Soil Survey Unit(SSU) – Established after the Bhutan Soil Survey Project (BSSP) funded by and wider Asian regions in the context of the Asian Soil Partnership; and DANIDA from 1996 to 2003, the Unit provided the continuity to the services established by the 2. Set up a regional inter-laboratory proficiency program to implement QA/QC procedures and project to generate soil information in order to optimize the use of land suited for agriculture, processes. pasture and agro-forestry and ultimately work towards producing the national soil maps for various agricultural purposes. While seeking to accomplish the above mandates, the Unit carries As the focal point to these international institutions, the Centre had obligations to fulfill several out soil survey & land evaluation to generate soil information for making informed decision in requirements and obligations during the course of the reporting period. terms of planning and monitoring of land-based natural resources; investigates problematic sites to assess and recommend appropriate mitigating measures, including change in land use, to In view of the focus of 12thFive Year Plan placed on improvement of soil fertility management address the soil problems; conducts land feasibility studies to resettle the farmers from marginal (SFM) practices in various crops, characterization of soils, providing analytical services and land to productive land under the National Rehabilitation Program; and provides Geographical improvement and strengthening of soil database/information, and land development, the Information System (GIS) and remote sensing services for digitizing data and producing digital Centre’s efforts and activities have been aligned accordingly. The promotion of sustainable land soil or other maps. management practices, capacity building, and mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) continued to receive priority as in the past years and thus, this report, provides there ad Soil Microbiology Unit(SMU) – In order to complement the conventional soil fertility practices, era comprehensive picture of achievements of the Centre with the details on the implementation the Unit was established in late 1990s to harness the beneficial microbial resources to ensure of the planned and ad-hoc activities during the year. sustainable agriculture and develop and promote organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility. In pursuing the mandates, the Unit aims to build an inventory of beneficial microbes to While working within the established framework of operation, the Centre continued to provide better understand their dynamics, spatial distribution and diversity; develop organic soil various soils and land related services through its five Units in close coordination with the amendments to improve both soil fertility and soil quality for improved crop production; develop Agriculture Research & Development Centres (ARDCs) & the Dzongkhags. bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides to promote organic agriculture in the country; and build capacities of EAs and farmers on organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility and crop production. Unit supports organic agriculture initiatives of the Ministry and it is the focal Unit within the Centre for the National Organic Flagship Program (NOFP).

NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 2 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 3 fertilizer trials; long-term studies on different crops; capacity building of Extension Agents (EAs) and farmers; and investigation of soils with nutrient problems. Regional Soil Services Unit (RSSU) Based on the last OD exercise outcome of the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Soil Units were instituted in all Agriculture Research & Land Management Unit(LMU) has been established after the Global Environment Facility Development Centres (ARDCs) during 2017-2018 to support NSSC in discharging its mandates (GEF)/World Bank (WB) funded 6-year project on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) and responsibilities. The Regional Soil Services Units (RSSU) are manned by two soil focal implemented from 2006 to 2012 was phased out in order to sustain the initiatives of the project. persons in each region and NSSC is responsible for providing all technical support to build the The Unit is mandated to (1) combat land degradation and bring vulnerable land under SLM; (2) capacities of the staff. ensure sustainable agriculture and contribute to national food security, rural livelihood improvement & environmental protection and (3) fulfill the requirements of UNCCD as a In addition to the mandate of coordinating research and extension activities associated with soil member country. In the process of fulfilling its mandate, the Unit implements activities and land management, the Center is also the resource and referral Centre for all soil and land comprising scaling up of SLM; promotion of SLM through campaigns; degraded land management related issues. The Centre has been designated as the focal agency for the United investigation; and build capacities of EAs and farmers on various aspects of SLM with regard to Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) focusing mainly on land degradation. sustainable agriculture, climate change and biodiversity conservation. The Unit has been It is also the focal point for the Asian Soil Partnership (ASP) under the umbrella of the FAO's entrusted with an additional important responsibility of carrying out agriculture land Global Soil Partnership (GSP).The Centre is also a member of the South-East Asia Laboratory development in the country for increased food production, employment generation, farm Network (SEALNET). This network aims to: mechanization, among other benefits. 1. Calibrate and harmonize soil testing procedures and practices in laboratories in the ASEAN Soil Survey Unit(SSU) – Established after the Bhutan Soil Survey Project (BSSP) funded by and wider Asian regions in the context of the Asian Soil Partnership; and DANIDA from 1996 to 2003, the Unit provided the continuity to the services established by the 2. Set up a regional inter-laboratory proficiency program to implement QA/QC procedures and project to generate soil information in order to optimize the use of land suited for agriculture, processes. pasture and agro-forestry and ultimately work towards producing the national soil maps for various agricultural purposes. While seeking to accomplish the above mandates, the Unit carries As the focal point to these international institutions, the Centre had obligations to fulfill several out soil survey & land evaluation to generate soil information for making informed decision in requirements and obligations during the course of the reporting period. terms of planning and monitoring of land-based natural resources; investigates problematic sites to assess and recommend appropriate mitigating measures, including change in land use, to In view of the focus of 12thFive Year Plan placed on improvement of soil fertility management address the soil problems; conducts land feasibility studies to resettle the farmers from marginal (SFM) practices in various crops, characterization of soils, providing analytical services and land to productive land under the National Rehabilitation Program; and provides Geographical improvement and strengthening of soil database/information, and land development, the Information System (GIS) and remote sensing services for digitizing data and producing digital Centre’s efforts and activities have been aligned accordingly. The promotion of sustainable land soil or other maps. management practices, capacity building, and mainstreaming Sustainable Land Management (SLM) continued to receive priority as in the past years and thus, this report, provides there ad Soil Microbiology Unit(SMU) – In order to complement the conventional soil fertility practices, era comprehensive picture of achievements of the Centre with the details on the implementation the Unit was established in late 1990s to harness the beneficial microbial resources to ensure of the planned and ad-hoc activities during the year. sustainable agriculture and develop and promote organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility. In pursuing the mandates, the Unit aims to build an inventory of beneficial microbes to While working within the established framework of operation, the Centre continued to provide better understand their dynamics, spatial distribution and diversity; develop organic soil various soils and land related services through its five Units in close coordination with the amendments to improve both soil fertility and soil quality for improved crop production; develop Agriculture Research & Development Centres (ARDCs) & the Dzongkhags. bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides to promote organic agriculture in the country; and build capacities of EAs and farmers on organic soil amendments to improve soil fertility and crop production. Unit supports organic agriculture initiatives of the Ministry and it is the focal Unit within the Centre for the National Organic Flagship Program (NOFP).

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2. Organogram of the Centre 3. Achievement Highlights The existing organization structure of the centre is as shown below. The activities included in the Annual Work Plan Agreement (APA) of the Centre for the fiscal year (FY) 2019- 2020 were mostly carried out with the budget appropriated from RGoB and

some land management activities with funds from donor projects as BTFEC, GEF-LDCF,

Program RDCRRP, GCF and UNCCD. The achievements of the Centre are categorized under the five Director Units’ services rendered in the reporting year and are as follows:

Soil & Plant Soil Land Soil Survey Soil Fertility Admin & Analytical Microbiology Management 3.1 Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory Services Unit Unit Accounts Laboratory Unit Unit 3.1.1 Sample Analyses Output Dy. Chief SS & Principal SF & Dy. Chief Lab. Admin Officer Specialist (1) Specialist (1) The analyses of the activities carried out by the Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory (SPAL) LE Officer (1) PN Officer (1) Officer (1) (1) includes testing of soil, plant, irrigation water, farm manures and compost samples. During the st th Sr. Lab. Sr. SS & LE Sr. SF & PN Laboratory Sr. SF & Admin period from 1 July 2019 to 16 June 2020, the Laboratory processed a total of 7,094 samples. Technician (3) Officer (2) Supervisor (2) Officer (1) PNO(1) Assistant (1) Out of this, 7,056 were soil samples, 31 plant samples, and 7 irrigation water samples. From the 7,056 soil samples 4,009 were processed for physical analysis which comprises of bulk density Lab. Assistant SS & LE Officer SF & PN Asstt. Lab. Sr. Agriculture Accounts (4) (1) Supervisor (1) Technician (1) Officer (1) Assistant (1) and soil moisture content as shown in the Table 1 below.

Land Lab. Attendant Sr. SS & LE Extension Management Driver (4) For the period the set target of 2,500 samples has been successfully achieved as the total number (2) Supervisor (2) Supervisor (1) Officer (1) of samples of 3085 was chemically analyzed and the results were delivered. In fact the Land Laboratory’s achievement for the period was 123.4 %. SS & LE Management Messenger (1) Supervisor (1) Supervisor (1) In brief the analytical data, as important tools for development, is extensively used for soil GIS Associate Sweeper (1) (1) fertility management, forest management, soil classification, academics, research works and land resource mapping activities. The details of the samples received from various clients are

Field Assistant Night Guard classified by type which reflects the different clients as detailed in the subsequent sections. The (1) (1) overall number of soil samples received for analyses during the period is presented in Table 1.

Table 1:Number of soil samples processed for the period from 1st July 2019-16th June 2020 Number of soil samples from different types of clients for: Sl. Dzongkhag Chemical Analyses Physical Total No. Farmers Extension Research Survey Academic analyses 1 Bumthang - 5 14 - - - 19 2 Chhukha 5 2 9 - - - 16 3 Dagana - 18 - 263 - 463 744 4 Gasa - 21 - - - - 21 5 Haa - 124 - - - 172 296 6 Lhuntse - 575 - - - 1686 2261 7 Mongar 2 102 47 160 38 204 553 8 Paro 4 12 38 - - - 54

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some land management activities with funds from donor projects as BTFEC, GEF-LDCF,

Program RDCRRP, GCF and UNCCD. The achievements of the Centre are categorized under the five Director Units’ services rendered in the reporting year and are as follows:

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Number of soil samples from different types of clients for: 3.1.3Samples received for chemical analysis on a monthly basis Sl. Dzongkhag Chemical Analyses Physical Total When the soil, plant, and water inflow of samples is assessed for chemical analyses on a monthly No. Farmers Extension Research Survey Academic analyses basis it reveals that the highest inflow of samples was in the month of March 2020 with 499 9 PemaGatshel - 68 - - - - 68 samples. The lowest number of soil samples received was 35 samples in June 2020, as shown in the Table 2. 10 Punakha 2 6 - 151 - 350 509

11 S/Jongkhar - 15 - 18 - - 33 Table 2:Monthly inflow of Samples for chemical analysis. 12 Samtse 3 1 - 234 - 56 294 Type of sample received for chemical Sl. Total Month analyses 13 Sarpang - 28 156 - - - 184 No. samples Soil Plant Water 14 Thimphu 8 55 43 153 3 12 274 1 July 93 4 0 97 15 Tashigang - 116 - - 24 64 204 2 August 381 15 0 396 16 Tashiyangtse - 76 64 - - 64 204 3 September 354 0 0 354 17 Trongsa - - - - - 558 558 4 October 200 4 0 204 5 November 362 0 0 362 18 Wangdue - 187 1 93 - 336 617 6 December 225 0 1 226 19 Zhemgang - - 20 83 - 44 147 7 January 191 4 0 195 Total soil samples 21 1411 395 1155 65 4009 7056 8 February 172 0 4 176 9 March 445 4 2 451 3.1.2Soil Samples for chemical analysis 10 April 90 0 0 90 Of 3,085 samples received during the period 98.77 % comprised of soil samples for chemical 11 May 499 0 0 499 analyses which corresponds to 3047 soil samples. Figure 1 below illustrates the quantity of soil 12 June 35 0 0 35 samples received from different Dzongkhags, showing the origin of the samples for analyses. Total number of samples 3047 31 7 3085

700 3.1.4Plant Samples 575 600 Regarding the plant samples during this reporting period a total of 31 plant samples were 500 received as shown in the Table 3 representing only about 0.5 % of the total samples analyzed. 400 349 281 281 The two clients were Wageningen Evaluation Programs for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL) 300 238 262 184 200 124 159 140 140 for International Plant Exchange Programme with 16 samples and the College of Natural 68 103 Sample number 100 19 16 21 54 33 Resources (CNR) who submitted 15 samples. 0 Table 3:The monthly sample inflow of plant samples.

Origin Monthly Plant Samples from 1st July 2019-15th May 2020 Sl. of Clients No. Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Jun Total Name of Dzongkhags samples 1 Punakha CNR 15 15 Figure 1:Number of soil samples received for chemical analyses from different Dzongkhags 2 WEPAL PT 4 4 4 4 16

samples Among the Dzongkhags, the highest number of samples of 575 was received from Lhuentse Total samples 4 15 4 4 4 31 Dzongkhag followed by Mongar, Dagana and Wangdue Dzongkhag with 281 samples each.

Thimphu Dzongkhag submitted 262 soil samples.

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700 3.1.4Plant Samples

575 600 Regarding the plant samples during this reporting period a total of 31 plant samples were 500 received as shown in the Table 3 representing only about 0.5 % of the total samples analyzed. 400 349 281 281 The two clients were Wageningen Evaluation Programs for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL) 300 238 262 184 200 124 159 140 140 for International Plant Exchange Programme with 16 samples and the College of Natural 68 103 Sample number 100 19 16 21 54 33 Resources (CNR) who submitted 15 samples. 0 Table 3:The monthly sample inflow of plant samples.

Thimphu Dzongkhag submitted 262 soil samples.

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3.1.5 Water Sample During the fiscal year, only seven water samples were received and analyzed as shown in Table 4. The information under the Column titled Dzongkhag reflects the origin of the samples while the Column under the Clients indicate the either individual or the organization who sought the analytical services for testing. The water samples were analyzed for irrigation purposes only.

Table 4:Monthly irrigation Water Samples inflow Sl. Monthly water sample received Dzongkhag Client Total No. Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May 1 S/Jongkhar Druk waste 1 1 management, Orong 2 Chukha RTC student 4 4 3 Thimphu Individual 2 2 Total samples 1 4 2 7 Figure2: Dzongkhags where IPNM was carried out 3.1.6 International Proficiency Testing with WEPAL 3.2.1 IPNM on Paddy SPAL is a regular participant in the proficiency testing conducted by the Wageningen Evaluation Total of 50 acres wetland in Paro which were under paddy cultivation was brought under Programs for Analytical Laboratories (WEPAL),a leading organization of the Wageningen balanced fertilizer trial for FY 2019-2020. The fertilizer rate used was 24: 12: 8 NPK kg/ac. The Agricultural University in The Netherlands, at the global level in the fields of soil, plants, yield from this trial will be presented in next annual report. The crop cut results of 2018-2019 sediments and organic wastes for quality control with over 200 participating member from Paro and Sarpang is shown in the Figure 3 below which could not be reported in the last laboratories. annual report as the harvest season falls after June.

SPAL received four sets in a period, each containing four samples of International Soil Exchange samples for testing. The results were submitted to WEPAL for evaluation of SPAL’s performance on a quarterly basis. Fourteen parameters viz. pH-water, pH-KCl, total- Nitrogen, available –K, NH4-N, organic carbon, available-phosphorus, CEC and exchangeable bases, moisture content were included. The latest performance score achieved by the SPAL for the period of October-December 2019 was 98.6 % accuracy. The Proficiency Testing results were submitted to WEPAL and results for the month of January to March is yet to arrive.

3.2 Soil Fertility Services In order to improve soil fertility status, SFU conducted numerous on farm trials – Farmer Extension Fertilizer Use Trials (FEFUT) – on major crops such as paddy, citrus, apple and vegetable across the country.

Based on the encouraging results from the past, the Centre up scaled the FEFUT trials under the Figure3: Yield comparison between RP (Recommended practice) and FP Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) system to promote it among famers (Figure 2). (Farmer’s practice) from IPNM sites

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16 18.00 16.00 RP 14 RP 14.00 FP 12 FP 12.00 10 10.00 8.00 8

Nutrient rangeNutrient 6.00 6 4.00 Nutrient range 4 2.00 2 0.00 pH(H2O) N% C% OM C:N Ratio P (mg/kg) K (mg/kg) 0 Soil nutrient pH(H2O) N% C% OM(%) C:N Ratio P (mg/kg) K (mg/kg)

Soil nutrient

Figure 5: Difference in nutrient content in fields with and without Dhaincha

Figure4: Soil from RP contain high soil nutrients

3.2.2 IPNM on use of Green Manure on paddy Green manure Dhaincha (sesbaniaaculeata) was planted in rice growing areas in southern belts like Samdrup Jongkhar, Sarpang, Tsirang and Samtse. Around 47 acres in Samdrup Jongkhar was brought under green manure management practices. Result shows that soil nutrients such as Potassium (K) and Phosphorus (P) are higher in FP where farmers have done FYM application at the rate of 1.5 ton per acre. Table 5 shows the difference in the rice grain yield with and without dhaincha incorporation. Differences in the soil parameters in these 2 treatments are compared as in the Figure 6. Figure 10 below shows a clear difference between fields with and without dhaincha.

Table 5:Difference in rice grain yield with and without Dhaincha (2018-2019) Figure6: Dhaincha grown before paddy Figure7: Final yield after crop cut Yield Kg/acre Yield transplantation in Phuntshothang Paddy variety Site With Without difference(kg/ac) Dhaincha Dhaincha Local 2171.2 1332.7 +840 S/jongkhar BhurKhamja 1 1516.5 1251 +270 (Pemathang & Phuentshothang Gewog) Rangjit 1401 1137 +260 Dagana (Karmaling Gewog)

Figure8: Marking crop cut area (6 m^2) Figure9: Visual difference in paddy color NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 10 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 11

16 18.00 16.00 RP 14 RP 14.00 FP 12 FP 12.00 10 10.00 8.00 8

Nutrient rangeNutrient 6.00 6 4.00 Nutrient range 4 2.00 2 0.00 pH(H2O) N% C% OM C:N Ratio P (mg/kg) K (mg/kg) 0 Soil nutrient pH(H2O) N% C% OM(%) C:N Ratio P (mg/kg) K (mg/kg)

Soil nutrient

Figure 5: Difference in nutrient content in fields with and without Dhaincha

Figure4: Soil from RP contain high soil nutrients

Figure8: Marking crop cut area (6 m^2) Figure9: Visual difference in paddy color NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 10 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 11

3.2.3 IPNM trial in Maize 3.2.5 IPNM in Citrus orchard To promote integrated soil nutrient management and increase production, NSSC in collaboration IPNM trial on citrus was carried out in Sarpang and Pemagatshel Dzongkhags. In total 849 fruit with Dagana Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector has implemented on-farm IPNM trial in Maize for bearing trees from two Dzongkhags as shown in Table 8 were selected for the trial. The orchards this financial year 2019-2020. The nutrient rate of 32:12:24 NPK kg/ac recommendation rate were then divided into two halves with 849 trees under trial and other half managed by farmers have been used for the trial and total area brought under IPNM technology is 10 acres for fical following their own practices. This was done to compare the yield and soil nutrient status years 2019-2020. between recommended practices and farmers’ practice.

Table 8:Citrus in two Dzongkhags under IPNM 3.2.4 IPNM in Apple orchard Fertilizer Total of 1,467 trees covering approximately 14 acres were brought under IPNM technology. The No. of Nutrient ratio Dzongkhag recommendation(Kgs/tree) orchard was then divided into two halves with 1,429 trees under IPNM and other half managed trees Urea Suphala SSP Mop N P K by farmers following conventional practices. This was done to compare the yield and soil Sarpang 300 500 - 600 500 250 100 350 nutrient status between recommended practices and farmers’ practice. Table 6 shows the Dagana 549 500 - 600 500 250 100 350 fertilizer application rates while Table 7 shows the acreage and crop cut details. Table 9:Difference in citrus production with and without application of fertilizers Table 6:Dzongkhag-wise apple trees under IPNM Yield kg per acre Yield Recommende Farmer’ Site Nutrient ratio difference(kg/ac) No. of Fertilizer recommendation(g/tree) d Practice Practice Dzongkhag (g/tree) trees 4950 4242 707.67 Dagana (Tshendhagang Gewog) Urea Suphala SSP Mop N P K Paro 1067 200 - 300 250 92 48 150 4825 3389 1436.23 Sarpang (Gakiling Gewog) Thimphu 400 200 - 300 250 92 48 150 Prior to fertilizer application, farmers had carried out other fruit plant management activities. Table 7:Yield comparison between RP and FP at two sites. The recommended rate of nutrient used was 250:100:350 g/tree of NPK (fruit bearing trees Apple Yield per tree Apple yield per acre (considering 110 only). The farmers were trained on fertigation technique and were instructed to apply fertilizers Treatments (kg/tree) trees/acre-kg/tree) only under technical supervision from the agriculture staff. Recommended Practice (RP) 36.5 3998.5 Farmers’ Practice (FP) 120.00 25.46 2800.05

Difference +11.04 +1198.45 100.00 RP

80.00 FP 140.00

120.00 60.00 100.00 RP FP 40.00

80.00 Nutrient Range 60.00 40.00 20.00 Nutrient range 20.00 0.00 0.00 pH(H2O) N% C% OM C:N P(mg/kg) K(mg/kg) pH(H2O) N% C% OM C:N Ratio P(mg/kg) K(mg/kg) Ratio Soil nutrient Soil nutrient Figure11: Soil result of IPNM trial on citrus orchard Figure10: Soil result from IPNM pre and post-trial on apple

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Difference +11.04 +1198.45 100.00 RP

80.00 FP 140.00

120.00 60.00 100.00 RP FP 40.00

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3.2.6 Farmers’ training on IPNM Sl.No Activity Target Achieved Remarks Numerous training on IPNM was conducted to increase awareness on integrated plant nutrient 6 IPNM practice under vegetable production - 2 Ad-hoc activity. (Ac) completed with budget management through the use of organic and inorganic fertilizer practices. Farmers were adjustment sensitized on concept, importance and benefits of IPNM. Other pertinent topics included soil 7 Research on nitrogen fixation by legumes 5 5 Achieved fertility management and impact of fertilizer demonstration trials. The presentation was done (treatments) using mostly visual aids and sometimes, as verbal interaction in vernacular dialects to enhance 8 Research on evaluation of organic manures 5 5 Achieved and ensure proper dissemination of the ideas. An interactive discussion on the traditional SFM in cauliflower (treatments) 9 Research implemented in collaboration 3 3 Achieved practices followed by the farmers’ own soil management practices were also discussed. During with ARDC Yusipang (nos) the FY 2019 – 2020, 300 farmers were trained besides extension agriculture staff and village 10 Supply of green manure seeds through 100 51.5 Seeds not available local leaders. NOFP (Ac) 11 Farmers training through NOFP budget 500 323 Huge gathering not 3.2.7 National Organic Flagship Program (Heads) allowed due to COVID 19

With funding support from the National Organic Flagship Program (NOFP), SFU promoted legumes crops through the supply of legume seeds and seedlings and enhanced farmer’s 3.3 Land Management Services knowledge and capacity on organic soil fertility management through several farmer training. During the reporting period, i.e. from July 2019 – June 2020, the Unit has implemented Therefore, a total area of 51.5 acres (11.5 ac under ginger production and 40 ac under buckwheat numerous activities which include both planned and unplanned. Most of the planned activities production) in Sarpang and Gasa Dzongkhag were brought under organic agriculture through implemented by the Unit were funded by three projects – GEF-LDCF, BTFEC and GCF with co- supply of legume seeds as green manure. Further SFU trained a total of 323 heads of farmers on funding from the Royal Government. The unplanned activities include Technical Assistance to “Organic Soil Fertility Management” in four Dzongkhags (Gasa, Samdrup Jongkhar, Sarpang the Dzongkhags (based on their requests) and the Agriculture land development (ALD) for and Dagana). commercial agriculture undertaken by various individuals and groups as part of response to

COVID-19 pandemic initiated by the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of 3.2.8 Ad-hoc activities 3.2.8.1 IPNM in early Chili and Beans Agriculture & Forests. The details of the above are given in the following sections. The total area of 2 acres under chili and beans were brought under IPNM at Guma gewog in Punakha Dzongkhag. Recommendation rate for chili and beans are 20:12:12 NPK kg/ac and 3.3.1 Project funded activities 14:40:60 NPK kg/ac respectively. 3.3.1.1GEF-LDCF The GEF-LDCF project covers 12Dzongkhags – Bumthang, Haa, Lhuentse, Mongar, Paro, Table 10:Yield data from recommended practice Punakha, Sarpang, Thimphu, Trongsa, Tsirang, Wangdue and Zhemgang, but the Sustainable No. of Crop Yield kg/m2 Yield kg/ac Site land management (SLM) interventions are focused in18 gewogs of six Dzongkhags – Haa, fruits/plant Lhuentse, Mongar, Sarpang, Trongsa and Zhemgang. While the implementation of SLM Beans 7 0.625 2529.3 Zomlingthang activities is largely decentralized to Local Governments including fiscal decentralization, few Chili 12 0.800 3237.6 Changyul critical activities were coordinated and implemented by the unit at the NSSC. These activities include, creation of SLM model villages to demonstrate different SLM, IPNM and climate smart Table 11: Activity summary for 2019-2020 Sl.No Activity Target Achieved Remarks agriculture technologies, monitoring and supervision of SLM activities and coordination of 1 IPNM Practice under paddy production 84 50 Fertilizer not available capacity enhancement program. The unit also provided additional funds to few Dzongkhags that (ac) due to Covid-19 suffered from fund deficit for Agriculture land development. The details of the activities 2 Enhance rice production through use of 77 42 Seeds not available due to implemented under GEF-LDCF funding are presented in Table 12. green manure (Ac) Covid-19

3 IPNM practice under maize production 10 10 Achieved (Ac) 4 IPNM practice under citrus production 800 849 Achieved more than target (no.s) 5 IPNM practice under apple through use of 1400 1467 Achieved more than target micro nutrient production (nos.) NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 14 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 15

Table 12:GEF-LDCF funded achievements Sl.No Financial Activity Physical . (Nu in Mil) 1 Demonstrate different SLM, IPNM and Climate Smart Agriculture 74.3 acres 0.785 Approaches in 3 SLM model villages (Nimshong bench terracing (160 HHs) 12.2 acres 10hhs, Orchard basin 5.5 acres 3hhs) (Magar-Somshing orchard 10 acres 74hhs) (Ngatsena Orchard basin 36 acres 32hhs, Stone bunding 4.6 acres 6hhs, Orchard 6 acres 35hhs) 2 Monitoring and Evaluation(Conducted consultative meeting on the 173 HHs 0.097 benefits on bench terracing in Bemji, Nubi gewog, Trongsa (M8, F11) Drenshing, Nubi gewog (M6,F12) Nimshong, Nabji-Korphu Figure12: New terraces of Nubi gewog, Trongsa (Top) and Before &After ALD at Radhi, Shingkha (M8, F28) Ngatsena, Gakiling gewog, Haa Dzongkhag (M5,F24) gewog, Zhemgang Review of SLM progress in Magar-Somshing (M23, F48) 3 1 No. 0.030 Maintenance of soil erosion plots at ARDC Samtenling 3.3.1.2 BTFEC 4 Agriculture Land Development (Bench terracing in Karshong, Nubi 100.42 acres 2.066 Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) has been providing financial gewog, Trongsa 48.66 acres, 18hhs) (Bench Terracing in Gakiling (147 HHs) gewog, Haa, 16 acres 14hhs) Bench terracing in Shingkhar gewog, support to the NSSC to implement SLM activities in Wangphu gewog under Samdrup-Jongkhar Zhemgang 7.66 acres 6hhs (Fruit plant seedlings supplied to Dzongkhag for three years (2017-2019). During the reporting period and as part of final phase of improve ground cover(Tsamang gewog 22 acres 36hhs),(Saling the project (July-December 2019), the unit focused on new terracing (35 acres), organizing gewog 11 acres 55hhs) (Tsamang gewog SLM-Hedgerows 38 acres project completion Gewog Tshogde (GT) session and the preparation of project completion 26hhs) report (refer Table 13). The project also supported the observation of global event – the World 5 Conduct soil survey (Punakha Reconnaissance Soil Survey) - 0.471 Soil Day with the theme “Stop Soil Erosion, Save Our Future” which was held at Khamdang 6 15 sets 0.098 Print and publish SLM related materials (sets) Lower Secondary School, Khamdang gewog under Trashi-Yangtse Dzongkhag on 5th December 7 22 staff 3.340 Exchange visit for the gewog and NSSC staff (Gewog 13, ARDC 2, 2019. NSSC 7 attended 10 days exchange visit in Thailand. th 8 Advertisement (17 June – UNCCD Day) 1 time 0.055 Table 13:BTFEC Project progress (from July – December 2019)

SI. Budget Expenditure Activity Physical Progress No. (Nu. mil) (Nu.mil) 1 Supplied planting materials for The budget allocated for this 0.146 0.139 SLM and bio-engineering activity was utilized for Land activities (napier grass slips, Development at Yarphu Chiwog fodder tree seedlings, bamboo rhizomes, etc.) 2 Provide incentives to farmers Paid Nu. 0.178m to SLM 0.651 0.651 for constructing contour stone adopters for bringing 35 acres of bunds and terraces agriculture land under SLM practice, and the remaining budget was utilized for Land Development at Yarphu Chiwog. 3 Organized World Soil Day on Advocated to about 900 0.400 0.400 th 5 Dec 2019 to create participants awareness on the importance of soil, SLM, and LDN at Khamdhang Gewog, Trashi Yangtsi

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SI. Budget Expenditure 3.3.1.3 Green Climate Fund (GCF) Activity Physical Progress No. (Nu. mil) (Nu.mil) The NSSC is one of the Responsible Parties (RPs) for the implementation of SLM component 4 Prepared a musical MTV Produced one MTV Theme song 0.050 0.049 under the GCF project which is a six-year project (2020-2025) and housed at the GNHC.The highlighting the services being project covers eight Dzongkhags – Dagana, Punakha, Samtse, Sarpang, Trongsa, Tsirang, provided by NSSC 5 Monitored and assessed SLM Conducted two Monitoring visits 0.042 0.041 Wangdue and Zhemgang (see project activities in the field Map below). During the first two quarters of the project, i.e. 6 Organized project completion Attended by 140 participants 0.063 0.062 January-June 2020, the unit GT to present SLM Project including BTFEC Director, SLM outputs and findings specialist, DAO, RNR officials, planned a number of activities, local Government members, and but due to delay in Project farmers’ representatives Management Unit (PMU) set up 7 Compiled and publish SLM The budget allocated for this 0.050 0.049 and the impact of COVID-19, project completion report activity was utilized for printing a set of SLM training materials not all the activities could be Total 1.402 1.391 implemented (see Table 14 for details).

Figure 14: GCF Project Dzongkhags

Table 14: GCF project progress (January – June 2020) Sl. Budget (Nu. Expenditure Activity Physical Progress No. Million) (Nu. Million) 1 Carry out Participatory SLM SLM Action Planning carried out 0.531 0.458 Action Planning in selected at 7 Climate Smart Villages – Climate Smart Villages Napchey (Punakha), Hebesa (Wangdue), Namlingthang (Dagana), Kapelshing (Tsirang), Patsaling (Sarpang), Wangling (Trongsa) and Khomshar (Zhemgang) 2 Reducing Land Degradation About 61 acres of contour 0.924 0.882 (soil erosion) and improving hedgerows established – Tsirang land productivity through: (30 acres), Dagana (6 acres), Contour hedgerows Sarpang (5 acres), Samtse (20 acres) 3 Improvement of existing 1 additional replicate consisting of 0.170 0.169 Soil Erosion Plot 5 plots constructed at ARDC Yusipang) 4 Capacity strengthening to Mostly deferred due to COVID-19 0.533 0.174 farmers and extension Figure13: Change in production landscape through Napier grass hedgerows and bench terracing in officers on SLM Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup-Jongkhar Dzongkhag Total 2.158 1.683

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Figure 14: GCF Project Dzongkhags

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Figure15: Establishment of soil erosion plot at ARDC Yusipang and Participatory SLM Action planning exercise in Climate Smart Village – Napchey, Lingmukha gewog, Punakha

3.3.2 Technical Assistance to Dzongkhags With the overall mandate given to the NSSC to coordinate planning, monitoring and reporting of ALD in the country, the NSSC received number of requests from the Dzongkhags to provide TA on ALD. While the NSSC has provided adequate training to the regional soil focals and the Dzongkhag agriculture staff, they still lack confidence to support land owners in the field to take up physical terracing mainly due to complex landforms and the risk involved in ALD. Therefore, during the reporting period, the unit provided TA to nine Dzongkhags as detailed in Table 15. The TA support mainly included provision of hands-on training on ALD to gewog extension Figure 16:Hands on training to gewog extension officers of Tsirang and reviving fallow land at officers, machine operators and selected farmers and the technical supervision and guidance Khatoed, Gasa during actual terracing and terrace consolidation in the field. One thing that the NSSC would like to report is that there is encouraging development in terms

of priority setting and annual resource allocation to ALD at the Dzongkhag and gewog levels. Table 15:TA provided to Dzongkhags Sl. Proposed ALD Most Dzongkhags and gewogs, especially those without projects are now utilizing their annual Name of ALD Site Gewog & Dzongkhag No. area (Acre) block grants for ALD/SLM. Even farmers are coming forward to take up ALD/SLM on cost 1 Sherabling Chhudzom, Sarpang 50.00 sharing basis. All these go to say that there is better understanding and recognition about the 2 Dangrebumae Tsirang 10.00 importance of ALD/SLM and therefore an increasing demand for TA support from the NSSC. 3 Chongyekha Chhukha 23.00 The Dzongkhag wise ALD/SLM progress for the FY2019-20 is presented in Figure 18, which is 4 Khatoe Khatoed, Gasa 33.00 derived from the information gathered from the Dzongkhags and compiled at the NSSC as part 5 Sama & Gakidling Sama & Gakidling, Haa 72.32 of database for ALD/SLM. 6 Radhi Shingkhar, Zhemgang 32.00 7 Jadingkha Thimphu 15.00 8 Nubi, Nabji-Korphu, Langthel Trongsa 50.00 & Drakteng 9 Chhokorling Chhokorling, Pema Gatshel 100.00

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Figure15: Establishment of soil erosion plot at ARDC Yusipang and Participatory SLM Action planning exercise in Climate Smart Village – Napchey, Lingmukha gewog, Punakha

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Sl. Area ALD/SLM progress for FY2019-20 Activity Location Dzongkhag No. (ac) 250 214 6 Land development (dry land 10 Changtagang, Kawang 200 terracing) gewog 166 147 7 Land development (dry land 2.25 Nimashong, Kawang 150 129 119 terracing) gewog 98 100 Area (Acre) 70 75 74 70 8 Land development (clearing, 6 Khariphu, Mewang gewog 62 53 58 50 44 50 ploughing, terrace consolidation) 50 30 33 36

0 9 Land development (ploughing 5 Hejo, Kawang gewog 0 and bed making) 10 Land development (field 1 Taba, Kawang gewog clearing, ploughing and bed Figure 17: Dzongkhag wise ALD/SLM progress for FY2019-20 making) 11 Land development (dry land 25 Bama, Tshocheykha & 3.3.3 ALD for commercial agriculture – a response to COVID-19 pandemic terracing) Zangleykha, Geney gewog The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Bhutan as is the case across the globe. The economic 12 Land development (field 33 Wobthang, Tang gewog Bumthang clearing, ploughing and bed consequences of the pandemic have adversely affected the livelihoods and well-being of the making) people due to gross decline in economic activities and loss of jobs, e.g. in tourism sector. 13 Land development (field 24 Lingtoed, Langthel gewog Trongsa Therefore, noting the immediate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its future uncertainty, clearing, terrace consolidation, the Royal government under the command of His Majesty the King has initiated various ploughing and land preparation) measures to address the immediate economic challenges facing the country. One such measure is Total 139.6 to encourage and support those individuals, groups or parties who are affected by the pandemic and willing to take up commercial agriculture, primarily vegetable cultivation. Towards this effect, the NSSC has been instructed to provide technical support to those prospective or interested individuals (e.g. laid off employees) and groups (including youth groups) in reverting their fallow land into cultivation. In total, about 140 acres of fallow land were developed and brought back to cultivation during the COVID-19 pandemic (refer Table 16 for detail).

Table 16: ALD for commercial agriculture Sl. Area Activity Location Dzongkhag No. (ac) 1 Land development (dryland 15 Jadingkha, Mewang gewog terracing) 2 Land development (dryland 2 Dalukha, Mewang gewog terracing) Figure 18:Before and after ALD at Wobthang, Tang gewog under Bumthang Dzongkhag 3 Land development (land 3 Dodena, Kawang gewog clearing, ploughing and Thimphu preparation) ) 4 Land development (Ploughing, 11 Babena, Kawang gewog consolidation and bed making) 5 Land development (dryland 2.35 Chamina, Kawang gewog terracing and sub-surface drainage)

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Phodrang February, 2020 February 17 to Dagana 64 Lab analysis March 29, 2020 May 27 to June Sarpang 38 Lab analysis 18, 2020 May 28 to June Zhemgang 38 Lab analysis 22, 2020

Figure 19:Land development at Babena & sub-surface drainage construction at Chamina, Thimphu

3.4 Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Services 3.4.1 Soil Survey During the fiscal year 2019-2020, soil survey of reconnaissance scale was carried out in Bumthang, Punakha, Wangdue-Phodrang, Dagana, Sarpang and Zhemgang with the main objectives of collecting baseline soil data from cultivated areas, classification of the soils and generation of the soil map of same scale by 2022. A conventional soil survey method was followed to describe and sample the soils. Unlike previous years, instead of grid sampling method, geopedological approach was employed to generate the sampling points. A total of 203 profile points were generated. At each point, standard soil profile pit was dug, described and Bumthang profile points Punakha profile points sampled based on the genetic horizon following standard soil survey method. However, those points falling on rock outcrops, water bodies and even forest areas were discarded and the sampling was carried out in the proximity area that shares same mapping Unit. In addition to the soil samples, bulk samples from each horizon were collected using a pair of identical core rings. Calculation of bulk density would be carried out in laboratory following standard measures.

The technical soil survey report describing the major soil types and their distribution with digital documentation will be completed – by 2023– once the whole survey and analysis report is available from the SPAL.

Table 17: Survey completed during the fiscal year 2019-2020 No. of profile Survey Area Duration Status Remarks point(s) th 15 October to Wangdue profile points Dagana profile points th  Reference data Bumthang 10 November, 50 Lab analysis Figure 20: Profile points in the four Dzongkhags collection. 2019

November 20th 3.4.2 Feasibility Study  Done using Punakha to December 40 Lab analysis 3.4.2.1 User Right Certificate (URC) Program Geopedological The Centre being one of the key stakeholders of National Rehabilitation Program (NRP), is also 22nd, 2019 approach involved in the User Right Certificate (URC) program as a task force member and primarily Wangdue 5th January to 9th 49 Lab analysis

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Phodrang February, 2020 February 17 to Dagana 64 Lab analysis March 29, 2020 May 27 to June Sarpang 38 Lab analysis 18, 2020 May 28 to June Zhemgang 38 Lab analysis 22, 2020

Figure 19:Land development at Babena & sub-surface drainage construction at Chamina, Thimphu

NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 24 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 25 shoulderedshouldered with with the the responsibility responsibility to to identify identify the the feasible feasible state state land land to tobe beallotted allotted to unemployedto unemployed youthsyouths onon URCURC termsterms. . Soil Soil survey survey of of reconnaissance reconnaissance scale scale was was undertaken undertaken in inthe the designated designated areasareas inin Lameythang,Lameythang, GumbadangraGumbadangra and and Copibari Copibari under under Samtse Samtse Gewog Gewog and and Bijanbari Bijanbari under under GomtuGomtu Gewog,Gewog, SamtseSamtse Dzongkhag, Dzongkhag, to to assess assess the the potential potential for for agriculture agriculture farming farming using using Land Land CapabilitCapabilityy Classification Classification (LCC). (LCC). LCC LCC is is a ageneral general assessment assessment of ofland land in interms terms of itsof itspotential potential use use withoutwithout anyany permanentpermanent damage damage or or LCC LCC is isa arational rational and and systematic systematic method method of ofdetermining determining the the abilityability ofof landland toto sustainsustain a a rangerange of of specified specified uses uses without without causing causing signif significanticant long long term term degradation.degradation.

TheThe soilssoils were were examined examined briefly briefly on on a aroutine routine basis basis with with more more detail detail in inpurpose purpose-dug-dug profile profile pits. pits. A A totaltotal ofof seven seven observations observations were were made. made. The The findings findings of of the the survey survey are: are:

TableTable 18 18:: LCC LCC results results of of the the surveyed surveyed sites sites BasicBasic DataData Tsangkha profile points distribution Tsendagang profile points distribution

Figure 21: Profile points distribution 100cm) 100cm) - 100cm)

100cm) -

- (Dominant) estimate risk estimate risk

estimate risk estimate risk - - 3.4.3 Soil Investigation - - profile Soil pH Soil pH profile Soil pH Soil pH ility ility Rainfall (mm) Rainfall (mm) Soil depth (cm) Soil depth (cm) Rainfall (mm) Rainfall (mm) 3.4.3.1 Soil Investigation at Majathang, Mongar Dzongkhag Overall LCC Class Soil depth (cm) Soil depth (cm) Overall LCC Class Soil Drainage (class) Soil Drainage (class)

Stoniness (%) (main) Altitude (m) (average) Altitude (m) (average) Soil Drainage (class) Soil Drainage (class) Soil Texture (0 Stoniness (%) (main) Soil Texture (Dominant) Altitude (m) (average) Altitude (m) (average) Stoniness (%) (0 Soil Texture (0

Erodib Erodibility The Centre in collaboration with eastern Agriculture Research Development Centre (ARDC) at Soil Texture Map UnitMap / Soil Series / Soil Stoniness (%) (0 Erodib Erodibility Map UnitMap / Soil Series / Soil PY376 20 468 NA None 130 3 ZiL MWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 Wengkhar, Mongar Dzongkhag, carried out a week long fieldwork at Majathang orchard with an PY376 20 468 NA None 130 3 ZiL MWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 PY377 25 487 NA None 200 2 SL WD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 PY377 25 487 NA None 200 2 SL WD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 objective to investigate the orchard soils and to eventually come up with technical PY378 10 465 NA None 140 3 SL WWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 PY378 10 465 NA None 140 3 SL WWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 PY379 15 445 NA None 130 2 ZiL MWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 recommendations. PY379 15 445 NA None 130 2 ZiL MWD ND 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 NA 1 PY380 25 380 NA None 90 10 SL WD ND 1 1 1 2r 1 1 1 NA 2r PY380 25 380 NA None 90 10 SL WD ND 1 1 1 2r 1 1 1 NA 2r PY381 15 400 NA None 200 15 SL WD ND 1 1 1 1 2w 1 1 NA 2w PY381 15 400 NA None 200 15 SL WD ND 1 1 1 1 2w 1 1 NA 2w PY382 7 291 NA None 80 10 SL WD ND 1 1 1 3r 3w 1 1 NA 3r PY382 7 291 NA None 80 10 SL WD ND 1 1 1 3r 3w 1 1 NA PY383 15 335 NA None 60 20 SL WD ND 1 1 1 3r 3w 1 1 NA 3r 3r PY383 15 335 NA None 60 20 SL WD ND 1 1 1 3r 3w 1 1 NA 3r 3.4.2.2 Organic Flagship Sites 3.4.2.2 Organic Flagship Sites As per the budgetary plan included in National Organic Flagship program, a detailed soil survey As per the budgetary plan included in National Organic Flagship program, a detailed soil survey is to be carried out by the Centre in Tsendagang and Tsangkha Gewogs, Dagana Dzongkhag. A is to be carried out by the Centre in Tsendagang and Tsangkha Gewogs, Dagana Dzongkhag. A team of technical staff was deployed to conduct the soil survey at the designated sites. The aim team of technical staff was deployed to conduct the soil survey at the designated sites. The aim of the study was to determine the feasibility of the areas for organic farming. Based on the of the study was to determine the feasibility of the areas for organic farming. Based on the survey findings, the land is to be evaluated for organic farming of specific crops. As per the survey findings, the land is to be evaluated for organic farming of specific crops. As per the standard survey procedures, the collection of site information and physical properties of the soil standard survey procedures, the collection of site information and physical properties of the soil were done. The study area spans 77.84 acre in Tshendagang Gewog and 13.81 acre in Tsangkha were done. The study area spans 77.84 acre in Tshendagang Gewog and 13.81 acre in Tsangkha Gewog. Dominantly, the soils there were moderately deep to deep. In most places, coarse Gewog. Dominantly, the soils there were moderately deep to deep. In most places, coarse materials ranging from gravels to stones were concentrated in layers. However, few sites located materials ranging from gravels to stones were concentrated in layers. However, few sites located on the slightly leveled slope were stone free and the textures were mostly sandy loam. The on the slightly leveled slope were stone free and the textures were mostly sandy loam. The Distribution of profile and auger points in chemical analysis result will be available once the analysis is done by SPAL. The survey was Majathang Orchard location chemical analysis result will be available once the analysis is done by SPAL. The survey was Majathang Orchard carried out from 04/03/2020 to 19/03/2020. carried out from 04/03/2020 to 19/03/2020. Figure 22: Majathang orchard location and distribution of profile and auger points in Majathang orchard NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 26 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 26 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 27 shoulderedshouldered with with the the responsibility responsibility to to identify identify the the feasible feasible state state land land to tobe beallotted allotted to unemployedto unemployed youthsyouths onon URCURC termsterms. . Soil Soil survey survey of of reconnaissance reconnaissance scale scale was was undertaken undertaken in inthe the designated designated areasareas inin Lameythang,Lameythang, GumbadangraGumbadangra and and Copibari Copibari under under Samtse Samtse Gewog Gewog and and Bijanbari Bijanbari under under GomtuGomtu Gewog,Gewog, SamtseSamtse Dzongkhag, Dzongkhag, to to assess assess the the potential potential for for agriculture agriculture farming farming using using Land Land CapabilitCapabilityy Classification Classification (LCC). (LCC). LCC LCC is is a ageneral general assessment assessment of ofland land in interms terms of itsof itspotential potential use use withoutwithout anyany permanentpermanent damage damage or or LCC LCC is isa arational rational and and systematic systematic method method of ofdetermining determining the the abilityability ofof landland toto sustainsustain a a rangerange of of specified specified uses uses without without causing causing signif significanticant long long term term degradation.degradation.

TableTable 18 18:: LCC LCC results results of of the the surveyed surveyed sites sites BasicBasic DataData Tsangkha profile points distribution Tsendagang profile points distribution

Figure 21: Profile points distribution 100cm) 100cm) - 100cm)

100cm) -

- (Dominant) (Dominant) estimate risk estimate risk estimate risk estimate risk - - 3.4.3 Soil Investigation - - profile Soil pH Soil pH profile Soil pH Soil pH ility ility Rainfall (mm) Rainfall (mm) Overall LCC Class Soil depth (cm) Soil depth (cm) Rainfall (mm) Rainfall (mm) 3.4.3.1 Soil Investigation at Majathang, Mongar Dzongkhag Overall LCC Class Soil depth (cm) Soil depth (cm)

Soil Drainage (class) Soil Drainage (class)

Stoniness (%) (main) Altitude (m) (average) Altitude (m) (average) Soil Drainage (class) Soil Drainage (class) Soil Texture (0 Stoniness (%) (main) Soil Texture Altitude (m) (average) Altitude (m) (average) Stoniness (%) (0 Soil Texture (0

The study was carried out with carefully chosen and methodically dug 5 profile pits. To Table 20: Bulk density of the orchard soils supplement the soil information, description from additional 8 auger bores were collected. All Topsoil density Topsoil Subsoil density Subsoil the information were collected and recorded in the respective soil profile and auger forms. (g/cm3) Texture (g/cm3) Texture During the process, soil samples were collected for laboratory analysis of soil nutrients and MM1-T 1.43 SCL MM1-S 1.40 LS determination of bulk density. Soil samples were submitted to Soil and Plant Analytical MM2-T 1.24 SL MM2-S 1.40 SL Laboratory (SPAL) for necessary analysis. MM3-T 1.38 SL MM3-S 1.51 LS MM4-T 1.50 SL MM4-S 1.72 LS The area of investigation is in lowland terrace with fluvial deposits and as expected, has silty Average 1.39 Average 1.51 loam(ZiL) topsoil underlain by silty clay(ZiCL) to loamy sand(LS) subsoil. The orchard subsoil contains gravelly (20-35 %) to extremely gravelly (60-90%) stones and boulders. Based on those 3.4.3.2 Soil Investigation at Taksha, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag physical inspection and chemical analysis, recommendation was made for application of FYM A team from the National Soil Services Centre (NSSC) in collaboration with Department of and humus and careful choice of horticulture crops suitable to the soil. As a general suggestion, Forest and Park Services (DoFPS) visited quarry rehabilitation plantation site at Taksha on permanent placement of regular field manager with pertinent experience was also made. The 23/06/2020 with an objective to assess soil conditions at the site and collect samples for findings of the survey are: laboratory analysis to find out the possible contributing soil problems affecting the growth of plants and trees. Table 19: Interpretation of inherent soil fertility results: Topsoil Subsoil The team carried out detailed physical assessment of the quarry site to study the site features and Accessing Inherent fertility Average Inherent fertility range Average conditions and the characteristics of soil with the help of soil auger. parameter↓ range Through site assessment, it was observed that the surface of the plantation site was abundantly TEB (me/100g) 3.06 – 20.65 8.56 0.06 - 7.68 3.65 covered by the crushed rock debris from the quarrying activities which is directly underlain by Low - High Moderate Very low - Moderate Low bedrock. There were some patches of sites with soil excavated from overburden but with Base saturation 59.78 – 302.33 111.88 48.25 – 217.67 106.93 drastically disturbed soil properties and composition due to the non-selective deposition. (BS%) Moderate – Very Very Low – Very high Very Moreover, it is dominated substantially by 70 to 80 percent of quarry dust deposition and coarse high high high sand size particles mixed with rock debris. Soil augering stops at 10 to 15 cm of the depth. There Available-P 28.82 – 160.17 71.82 34.54 – 167.07 76.53 is no soil with inherent properties. Based on these reasons, soil sampling for laboratory analysis (mg/kg) Very low – Very High Very low – Very high High high was found not necessary as the problem was conspicuous. Organic-C (%) 0.10 – 1.90 1.08 0.10 – 2.00 0.45 From the soil’s perspective, it is evident that the main problem of plantation at the site is due to Very low – Moderate Very low - Moderate Low no soil or inadequate soil with inherent property for plantation. Different types of plants require Moderate different depths of soil but even for most shallow rooted plant, it requires at least 25-50 cm of Nitrogen (%) 0.02 – 0.13 0.07 0.02 – 0.06 0.03 soil for its optimal growth. For deep rooted species such as trees requires up to 150-200 cm of Very low - Low Very low Very low Very low soil depth. Besides that, exceptionally only few plants can thrive well in skeletal soil (soils that contain 35 percent or more of rock fragments, cobbles and gravels). In such soil condition, there C:N Very good (4.96) – 13.72 Variable across field: Very 13.70 will be direct impact on water holding capacity, root penetration and nutrient leaching affecting Good (18.58) Good good (3.25) to very poor Good (66.20) availability of water and nutrient uptake by plants. As indicated in the findings, the quarry rehabilitation plantation site lacks adequate surface soil to restore vegetation and ecological integrity. To this, soil restoration must be carried out by adding at least 50 cm of topsoil uniformly in the plantation site and may need to add adequate fertilizers and water to enhance the plant growth especially during the initial stages.

NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 28 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 29

From the 68 cases that thoroughly investigated during the entire month, only13 cases qualified for conversion from the soil’s perspective. This is being put forward to the land management committee meeting for its final approval. The above result is purely based on set of strict technical criteria that is applied for the purpose of land Conversion and Land Suitability Evaluation assessment.

3.4.5 Land management activities carried out in collaboration with LMU SSU and LMU staff jointly carried out the land development activities at Gasabarma, Nimsashong and Chamina villages under Kawang Gewog, Thimphu. All proposed sites belong to private owners and have not been farmed despite being fertile and feasible. Besides providing temporary job engagement to the laid off tourism employees and employment of youth, the land FigureFigure Figure23Figure: 23LNT: 23LNT 23quarry: LNT: quarryLNT quarrysite quarry siteat Taksha siteat site Taksha at atTaksha Taksha development carries following objectives also:  To bring the fallow land under cultivation through ALD practices, 3.4.43.4.4 Land3.4.4 3.4.4 Land ConversionLand Land Conversion Conversion Conversion  To showcase different organic vegetable production technologies at the site, EverEver sinceEver Eversince thesince since theactivity theactivity the activity ofactivity convertingof convertingof of converting converting unproductive unproductive unproductive unproductive wetland wetland wetland wetland(chuzhing) (chuzhing) (chuzhing) (chuzhing) to dryto drytoland to dryland dry(kamzhing) land (kamzhing)land (kamzhing) (kamzhing)  To supply input to the Integrated Food Processing Plant (IFPP), waswas handedwas handedwas handed overhanded over to over Policyoverto Policyto to Policyand Policy and Planning and Planningand Planning Planning Division, Division, Division, Division, under under Ministryunder under Ministry Ministry Ministryof Agricultureof Agricultureof of Agriculture Agriculture and and Forests and Forestsand Forests Forests  To improve as the tic value of the area, and (MoAF)(MoAF)(MoAF) (MoAF)by bythe thebyMinistry by theMinistry the Ministry Ministryof Homeof Homeof of Homeand Home and Cultural and Culturaland Cultural CulturalAffairs Affairs Affairs inAffairs 1997,in 1997,in in the1997, 1997, thecentre thecentre the centreplayed centre played playedinstrumental played instrumental instrumental instrumental  To serve as a demonstration site for agriculture land development in the locality. rolerole in rolethe inrole the landin in theland conversionthe land conversionland conversion conversion activities, activities, activities, activities, as examination as examination as as examination examination of soils of soils of in of soils the insoils the fieldin in thefield theis field of isfield crucial of is crucial isof of crucialcomponent. crucial component. component. component. rd rd rd rd As Asper perAstheAs per therequest, per therequest, the request, 33request, 33 batch 33 batch 33 of batch batch landof land of conversion of land conversionland conversion conversion fieldwork fieldwork fieldwork fieldwork was was carried was carried was carried out carried outunder outunder out Thimphu,under under Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu, Paro, Paro, Paro, Paro, ChukhaChukhaChukha andChukha and Samtse and Samtse and Samtse Dzongkhags Samtse Dzongkhags Dzongkhags Dzongkhags between between between between17/08/19 17/08/19 17/08/19 17/08/19 – 14/09/19. – 14/09/19. – –14/09/19. 14/09/19. The The investigation The investigation The investigation investigation was was conducted was conducted was conducted conducted by bya t eamaby byt eama consisting ateam tconsistingeam consisting consisting of sixof sixofmember of sixmember six member memberofficials officials officials officialsincluding including including including two two staff two stafftwo from staff stafffrom the from from theLand theLand the ManagementLand LandManagement Management Management UnitUnit (LMU),Unit (LMU),Unit (LMU), DoA,(LMU), DoA, one DoA, DoA, one staff one staff one from staff fromstaff NSSC from fromNSSC NSSC(SSU), NSSC (SSU), (SSU), the (SSU), theDistrict theDistrict the District AgricultureDistrict Agriculture Agriculture Agriculture Officer Officer Officer (DAO) Officer (DAO) (DAO) from (DAO) from the from fromthe the the concernedconcernedconcernedconcerned Dzongkhags Dzongkhags Dzongkhags Dzongkhags and and the and theandGewog theGewog the Gewog representativesGewog representatives representatives representatives (Gups, (Gups, (Gups, Chiwog(Gups, Chiwog Chiwog ChiwogTsogpa Tsogpa Tsogpa andTsogpa and conc and concanderned conc ernedconc ernederned GeogGeog ExtensionGeogGeog Extension Extension Extension agents).The agents).The agents).The agents).The soil soil surveyor soil surveyor soil surveyor surveyor from from the from from theCentre theCentre the Centrecarried Centre carried carried out carried outon - outonsite out- siteon description on- sitedescription-site description description of theof theof of the the area,area, accessedarea, area,accessed accessed accessed the thegeneral thegeneral the general landgeneral land forms land landforms andforms forms and made and madeand physicalmade made physical physical physicalsoil soil investigations soil investigationssoil investigations investigations with with a withparticular witha particular a aparticular particular focusfocus mentionedfocusfocus mentioned mentioned mentioned below. below. below. below.

The The physical The physical The physical physicalsoil soil factors soil factors soil factorsconsidere factors considere considere considered duringd duringd dduringexamination during examination examination examination are aresoil aresoil texture,are soil texture, soil texture, soiltexture, soil rooting soil rooting soil rooting depthrooting depth anddepth depth and and and stonestone contentstone stonecontent content contentof ofsoils, ofsoils, of allsoils, soils, allof all ofwhichall ofwhich of which arewhich arevital are vitalare attributesvital vitalattributes attributes attributes for forbetter for betterfor bettercrop better crop production.crop cropproduction. production. production. Field Field Field Field Nimshong Chantagang Gasabarma examinationsexaminationsexaminationsexaminations of theseof theseof of parametersthese theseparameters parameters parameters determine determine determine determine whether whether whether whetheror notor notora or particular nota notparticular a aparticular particular conversion conversion conversion conversion case case under case undercase under under Figure 24: Different sites of land development scrutinyscrutinyscrutiny scrutinycan can be canapproved.be can approved.be be approved. approved. A conversion A conversion A Aconversion conversion case case is caseapproved iscase approved is isapproved approved if the: if the: if ifthe: the: 3.4.6 Cartographic composition of maps 1. 1.Soil 1.Soil texture1. Soil textureSoil texture between texture between between between0-40cm 0-40cm 0 -is040cm- loamy40cm is loamy is isloamysand loamy sand (LS) sand (LS)sand or (LS) sand or(LS) sand or (S) or sand (S)sand (S) (S) Many technical reports of land development, feasibility study, soil investigation and survey are 2. 2.Soil 2.Soil depth2. Soil depthSoil is depth limited,depth is limited, is islimited, i.e.limited, i.e.if the i.e.if i.e. theauger if iftheauger the depth auger auger depth is depth 60% content >60% in>60% >60%the in the topin in the top15cm the top15cm top of 15cm 15cm theof the augerof of theauger the bore. auger auger bore. bore. bore. fiscal year 2019 – 2020 generated digital maps of land developed areas, assessed feasibility sites and reconnaissance and detailed scale survey sites. The digital maps include: Of Ofthe theOf84Of theregistered84 the registered84 84 registered registered cases cases for cases cases forland forland forconversion land conversionland conversion conversion from from chhuzhing from fromchhuzhing chhuzhing chhuzhing to kamzhing,to kamzhing, to to kamzhing, kamzhing, only only 68 only cases68only cases68 68were cases caseswere were were a. Reconnaissance base map of Bumthang, Punakha, Mongar, Wangdue Phodrang, Dagana, investigatedinvestigatedinvestigatedinvestigated during during duringthe during the33 rdthe33 thebatch rd33 batch33rd ofrdbatch batchLandof Landof of ConversionLand LandConversion Conversion Conversion field field work. field fieldwork. Unfortunately,work. work. Unfortunately, Unfortunately, Unfortunately, some some casessome somecases cases cases Sarpang and Zhemgang b. Land development sites Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag and Nimshong werewere leftwere wereleft out left outonleft outongrounds out groundson on grounds groundsof noncomplianceof noncomplianceof of noncompliance noncompliance with with the with withtheland theland theconversion land conversionland conversion conversion guideline guideline guideline guideline of theof theofMoAF. of theMoAF. the MoAF. MoAF. Gewog, Trongsa Dzongkhag, Likewise,Likewise,Likewise,Likewise, there there were there therewere also were werealso cases also cases also where cases caseswhere thewhere where theowner theowner the owneropted owner opted to opted optedkeep to keep to the to keep keeptheland theland parcelthe land parcelland asparcel parcel residential as residential as as residential residential plot. plot. plot. plot. c. Land feasibility map of Saleng Gewog, Mongar, d. Digitization of SLM activities carried out in Gangzur Gewog, Lhuentse Dzongkhag, NSSCNSSC AnnualNSSC NSSCAnnual Annual Report Annual Report Report2019 Report 2019-2020 2019 -20192020 -2020- 2020 PagePage 30Page 30Page 30 30 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 31

The physical soil factors considered during examination are soil texture, soil rooting depth and stone content of soils, all of which are vital attributes for better crop production. Field Nimshong Chantagang Gasabarma examinations of these parameters determine whether or not a particular conversion case under Figure 24: Different sites of land development scrutiny can be approved. A conversion case is approved if the: 3.4.6 Cartographic composition of maps 1. Soil texture between 0-40cm is loamy sand (LS) or sand (S) Many technical reports of land development, feasibility study, soil investigation and survey are 2. Soil depth is limited, i.e. if the auger depth is < 40cm, and documented with digital maps of the area. The functional GIS section of the Centre during the 3. Percentage of stone content >60% in the top 15cm of the auger bore. fiscal year 2019 – 2020 generated digital maps of land developed areas, assessed feasibility sites and reconnaissance and detailed scale survey sites. The digital maps include: Of the 84 registered cases for land conversion from chhuzhing to kamzhing, only 68 cases were a. Reconnaissance base map of Bumthang, Punakha, Mongar, Wangdue Phodrang, Dagana, investigated during the 33rd batch of Land Conversion field work. Unfortunately, some cases Sarpang and Zhemgang b. Land development sites Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag and Nimshong were left out on grounds of noncompliance with the land conversion guideline of the MoAF. Gewog, Trongsa Dzongkhag, Likewise, there were also cases where the owner opted to keep the land parcel as residential plot. c. Land feasibility map of Saleng Gewog, Mongar, d. Digitization of SLM activities carried out in Gangzur Gewog, Lhuentse Dzongkhag, NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 30 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 31

e. Dumshingang base map, To promote and encourage organic fertilizer production, SMU procured 11MT of organic f. Location map and digitization of land development site at Karshong, fertilizers from different production Unit in the country and supplied to organic sites handled by g. Base map of survey area of at Tsangkha and Tsendagang Gewogs, Dagana Dzongkhag organic focals in ARDC Samtenling. (Organic Flagship Program), Different locally produced organic fertilizers in the country were tested for its quality. h. Digital demarcation of boundaries of agriculture land development sites at Babena, Changtagang, Nimashong, Kabesa and Gasabarma, Thimphu Dzongkhag and Wobthang, 3.5.4 Bio-fertilizers trail at ARDCs Bumthang Dzongkhag, Different bio-fertilizers procured from Lila Agrotech Ltd. were tested at ARDC Samtenling i. Covariate maps for RUSLE modeling which completed its first trial and its on-track for ARDC Wengkhar. Follow up trials will be conducted to properly assess the bio-fertilizers procured before actual promotion in the country. 3.5 Soil Microbiology Services Figure 25 shows the trials being conducted at the ARDC, Samtenling. As mandated, SMU has constantly strived towards promoting sustainable organic soil fertility management practices through the promotion of legumes cultivation, improved composting technique using Effective Micro-organisms (EM) and dissemination of locally produced organic fertilizer in the country to encourage and support farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs.

In the FY 2019 – 2020, SMU also worked in close collaboration with various central agencies under DoA performing trails to promote and administer the fertilizer products.

During the period under report, the Unit planned activities have been pursued through the following activities: 3.5.1 EM solution production and distribution Noticing the increased number of interest in EM shown by the farmers, private farm owners and schools, EM has been made available in various central agencies like ARDC Bajo (Wangdue), ARDC Samtenling (Sarpang) and ARDC Wengkhar (Mongar) for efficient distribution towards different locality in the country. The EM capacity in the Centre has also been ungraded to 4000 litres to meet the demands and interest and accordingly distributed. Figure 25: Chili on-station trial at ARDC Samtenling, Sarpang 3.5.2 Integrated plant nutrient management technologies promoted (legume seeds) SMU have been promoting soil fertility managements through activities like supplying legume 3.5.5Isolation and identification of native earthworm species for vermi-composting seeds annually to farmers to encourage with their organic farming efforts, promote and improve As there is lack of proper scientific study in place for identification of earthworms found in the the soil quality and subsequently develop the sustainability for future generation. country, SMU initiated the field work following standard measures to identify and study the earthworms native to the country and its benefits to soil. During the World Soil Day on 5thDecember 2019, around 996 participants, which included farmers, students and various officials from the Dzongkhag, Extension Centres and central Earthworms were collected from Yusipang and found efficient in composting so it was cultured programs of DoA, took part to mark the significance of the international day. and distributed to ARDCs at Wengkhar and Samtenling and soon a research trial will be conducted in collaboration with ARDC-OA Yusipang. A total of 1025kg of soya bean and 200packets of 6 different vegetables were successfully distributed during the celebration for promotion in FY 2019-2020 which exceeded our target of 1MT for FY 19-20.

3.5.3 Promotion of Organic fertilizer

SMU has been doing on-station organic fertilizer trail for the locally produced organic fertilizer in the country, the final trial is on-going and the report will be provided soon after the completion.

NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 32 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 33 e. Dumshingang base map, To promote and encourage organic fertilizer production, SMU procured 11MT of organic f. Location map and digitization of land development site at Karshong, fertilizers from different production Unit in the country and supplied to organic sites handled by g. Base map of survey area of at Tsangkha and Tsendagang Gewogs, Dagana Dzongkhag organic focals in ARDC Samtenling. (Organic Flagship Program), Different locally produced organic fertilizers in the country were tested for its quality. h. Digital demarcation of boundaries of agriculture land development sites at Babena, Changtagang, Nimashong, Kabesa and Gasabarma, Thimphu Dzongkhag and Wobthang, 3.5.4 Bio-fertilizers trail at ARDCs Bumthang Dzongkhag, Different bio-fertilizers procured from Lila Agrotech Ltd. were tested at ARDC Samtenling i. Covariate maps for RUSLE modeling which completed its first trial and its on-track for ARDC Wengkhar. Follow up trials will be conducted to properly assess the bio-fertilizers procured before actual promotion in the country. 3.5 Soil Microbiology Services Figure 25 shows the trials being conducted at the ARDC, Samtenling. As mandated, SMU has constantly strived towards promoting sustainable organic soil fertility management practices through the promotion of legumes cultivation, improved composting technique using Effective Micro-organisms (EM) and dissemination of locally produced organic fertilizer in the country to encourage and support farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs.

In the FY 2019 – 2020, SMU also worked in close collaboration with various central agencies under DoA performing trails to promote and administer the fertilizer products.

3.5.3 Promotion of Organic fertilizer

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Meeting and sensitize farmers on SLM Terracing site feasibility study

Figure 27: Land development program for organic sites at Gasa Dzongkhag Earthworm collection site Earthworms collected for study Beside the land developed in Gasa Dzongkhag, the additional of 124.6 acres of land were Figure 26: Earthworm for vermin compost developed in Urban Agriculture Program in Thimphu, Bumthang and Trongsa after the COVID- 19 problem as detailed in the following table:

Sl. Location Dzongkhag Land developed in acre 3.6 National Organic Flagship Program No. 3.6.1 Implement sustainable land management practices in land identified for organic 1 Babena 11 production (SLM) 2 Dodena 3 With the NOFP to have a set of permanent and sustainable organic land to produce the organic 3 Changtagang 10 selected commodities, the land development activities are being implemented in Goenkhatoe 4 Dalukha 2 gewog under Gasa dzongkhag. The gewog has 62 households; however, only 56 households are 5 Chamina 2.35 Thimphu actively engaged in farming while 6 are empty households. Farmers cultivate wheat, barley, 6 Nimashong 2.25 buckwheat while few have started cultivating paddy on a small scale. Owing to the limited 7 Khariphu 6 labour force, most of the farm lands were kept fallow and only small portion of land were 8 Hejo 5 cultivated as to sustain their livelihood. 9 Taba 1 As to reduce the fallow land period and maximize the land utilization especially for scaling-up 10 Genekha 25 organic farming, the physical land development especially terracing was seen as a best option. If 11 Wobthang Bumthang 33 the lands were terraced, they could easily adopt the farm mechanization using the farm machine 12 Langthel Trongsa 24 (power tiller). Further, once the land is terraced, the rate of topsoil loss through surface erosion Total acre 124.6 can be reduced by 70% and fertility of the farm land can be maintained.

Based on the proposal submitted by Dzongkhag, a sum of Nu. 0.747 Million was released to the Therefore, we achieved with 144.6 acres of land developed for organic production in 4 sites (i.e. Dzongkhag Agriculture sector for carrying out 20 acres of land development activities along Gasa, Thimphu, Bumthang and Trongsa). And also for 10 sites in Thimphu Dzongkhag for 67.6 with supply of inputs from NOFP. Accordingly, as to kick start the land development terracing, acres of urban agriculture, we provided organic fertilizers as promotion and also for the good the team from NSSC visited the Dzongkhag and organized a meeting with farmers, site visits and production to encourage more organic growers. provided hands on training to 22 beneficiaries (12 female and 10 male farmers) at khateo gewog along with awareness and capacity building of farmers on SLM. NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 34 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 35

Meeting and sensitize farmers on SLM Terracing site feasibility study

3.6.2 Establish 2large scale organic fertilizer production plants including equipment and packaging at strategic locations. The one of the most important factor for the successful production of the organic commodities is to have sufficient inputs like organic fertilizers. For that the NOFP plans to set up 2 large scale organic fertilizers plants that have a production capacity each with 25,000 MT per year. NSSC is asked to do the feasibility study on the establishment of such fertilizer plants in the country. The work is being initiated but could not complete due to the current COVID-19 issue as we were suppose to hire the international consultant. Therefore, we requested an Economist from PPD to carry out the feasibility study. Even the Terms of reference (ToR) were developed together with Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), who by then was looking after the RNR-EDCU (Entrepreneur Development Coordination Unit). And later the Unit was taken under the Policy and Planning Division (PPD), MoAF, and they even called for the Expression of Interest (EoI) through local news paper and MoAF websites. Upsacled unit at Beteni, Tsirang New unit in Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar

3.6.3 Promote, support & encourage small scale household level production of quality Figure 28: Financial support to upscale and new manure production units organic fertilizer (FYM, vermi-compost, bio-slurry) through capacity building, inputs and incentives. We were also promoting the simple bio-digester tank construction of 1 metric tonne production To promote, support and encourage the interested individuals who wanted to venture into organic capacity in the organic growing sites but due to the readily unavailable materials with due agriculture, we provided financial support to construct the small scale compost shed in eastern respect to the current COVID-19 issue, we could not proceed with the activity. LUCs (i.e. Nyamed in Mongar, Kheri and Tshowongpoktor in Trashigang, Tsendung in Following are the list of proposals that we received for construction of Bio-digester tank Trashiyangtse and Kherong in Pemagatshel) with total sum of Nu. 2,500,000.00 (5 lakhs per each LUC) and total sum of Nu.1,266,000.00 was released to construct the composting unit at Sl. No. Dzongkhag No. of Farmer Remark LUC Marpheng under Trashigang Dzongkhag (Marpheng Youth Commercial Organic Farm). 1 Paro 76 Budget was not released because of 2 Wangdue 30 unavailability of construction The financial support to upscale the present organic production units in Sarpang, Chukha, 3 Samdrup Jongkhar 148 materials Samtse and Tsirang were also provided. The total fund released to upscale these units is Nu. 4 Tsirang 12 747,150.00. And the total sum of Nu. 474,120.00 was released for establishment of new vermi Total No. 266 compost shed and structure in Sergithang and Relangthang under Tsirang Dzongkhag and in Dewathang under Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag. So, in total we provided support to 13 3.6.4 Promote the use of organic fertilizers in organic production sites. individuals in 13 sites in terms of fund to procure tools, equipment and to construct sheds for For this Financial Year 2019-20, we supplied 44.1 metric tones of organic fertilizers to organic organic manure production. production sites as a promotion in the first year. The total sum of Nu.1,187,500.00 were utilized to procure the organic fertilizers inclusive of transportation charges. The organic fertilizers such as vermi compost from Samtse, bio-slurry compost from Chukha and chicken manure compost and mixed compost of Bhu Org Farm, Sarpang were procured and promoted. For this, we collected indent from Dzongkhags and centre programs and since it is first of its kind, we just got indents from few Dzongkhags and centre programs as shown below in the table:

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Sl. Particular Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector/Central Program 15 Tendu Samtse No 16 Phuntshopelri 9 Punakha Haa Samtse National ARDC . 17 Yoeseltsi Agricultur Agriculture Agriculture Seed Centre Wengkhar e Sector Sector Sector 18 National Seed Centre Paro 8.5 1 Bio-slurry compost NIL 4000kgs 2500kgs 1800kgs 1000kgs 19 ARDC Wengkhar Mongar 3 Total MT 56.1 2 Vermi-compost 5000kgs 4000kgs 3500kgs 2500kgs 2000kgs 3 Chicken manure NIL 2400kgs 1500kgs 2700kgs NIL 3.6.5 Train the farmers and youths on organic in-puts compost The total of 8 people who works in Bhutan Organic Fertilizer based in Pasakha industrial estate under Chukha Dzongkhag were trained in compost making, Prepare EM to EMAS and Bokashi 4 BHU Org fertilizer 1000kgs 7200kgs 1500kgs 1500kgs NIL making with EM solution. We provided hands on training with demo along with the screening of Total 6000kgs 17600kgs 9000kgs 8500kgs 3000kgs the related videos clips. The Bhutan Organic Fertilizers is the mega organic manure production plant owned by private company established in 2017 with the machines production capacity of 72,000 metric tonnes annually but due to the lack of technical knowledge in production of Besides, we also procured 10 metric tonnes of organic fertilizers worth Nu. 240,000.00 inclusive compost, they could not proceed further. Albeit they have installed a big machine that have of transportation and labour charges from Sarpang production unit (because another 2 production conveyor and to crusher that can crush the compost into uniform size and finally to packaging, units were out of stock)to be distributed to Urban Agriculture Program in Thimphu area. The but before this stage, there should be compost ready, where there should be enough raw idea was basically to help the COVID-19 affected people in and around Thimphu Dzongkhag to materials, water and machines or man power that can turn the compost heap at least once in a grow the vegetables organically and to generate the income. day which the plant lacked. On request by the proprietor of the plant, we trained the staff of the plant on 2nd November 2019 at their factory site. We also supplied 2 MT of organic fertilizer to Druk Horticulture Pvt. Ltd. based in Thimphu Dzongkhag to promote the organic agriculture and they have been one of the actively involved organizations in organic farming with daily use of Effective Microorganism (EM) solution for composting and foliar spray to suppress the pest and diseases besides soil fertility management.

In total we supplied 56.1 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer in following sites:

Organic fertilizer Sl. No. Organic site/geog/village Dzongkhag supplied (MT) 1 Nobgang Haa 2 Kana 17.6 3 Gerina 4 Tshaphel 5 Druk Horticulture Pvt Ltd Thimphu 2 6 Bebena 7 Doedena 10 8 Changtagang 9 Nimashong Figure 29: Hands on training on composting 10 Tshokana Punakha 11 Dechendingkha Since the hands on training were conducted on request by the proprietor, we didn’t utilize any 12 Samdingkha 6 budget to provide DSA for participants and no working lunch was served. 13 Tewang 14 Kabjisa

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In total we supplied 56.1 metric tonnes of organic fertilizer in following sites:

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The list of staff that was trained is show in the table below: 12 Tshering Gyalpo Dewathang, S/Jongkhar Vermi compost Sl. No. Name of participants Gender CID No. Remark 13 Chorten Tshering Nyamed, Mongar Compost 1 Sangay Dema Female 10902000346 Labour 14 Nima Gyeltshen Kheri, Trashigang, Compost 15 Tenzin Wangmo Tshowongpoktor Trashigang Compost 2 Karma Deki Female 11608000710 Labour 16 Kunzang Tenzin Tsendung, Trashiyangtse Compost 3 Sangay Female 10608002319 Labour 17 Ngawang lhendup Kherong, Pemagatshel Compost 4 Ram Chandra Kati Male 11804000622 Security guard 18 Sonam Tshering Marpheng, Trashigang Compost 5 Ritesh Pradhan Male 21203000032 Technical staff 6 Chandra Bdr. Darlami Male 11810001624 Site Engineer 3.6.6 Establish functional microbiology lab for production of microbial bio-fertilizers 7 Prem Singh Lepcha Male 11306001588 Proprietor (procuring equipment, reagents, media, capacity building) 8 Sonam Zangmo Lepcha Female 17610418 Site supervisor To establish functional microbiology laboratory for production of microbial bio-fertilizers, the Centre was supposed to do the feasibility study and for that the few staff from the Centre had planned to visit ICAR Indian Institutes of Soil Science in Bhopal, India but due to the COVID- Tsirang Dzongkhag also created awareness on organic fertilizers such as vermi compost during 19 issue the activity could not proceed. Despite this, the centre has got the draft engineer drawing National Day on 17th December 2019 especially to students of Damphu and Mendrelgang School and cost estimates for laboratory construction. and farmers of Tsirang Dzongkhag. The awareness was created through pictorial posters and by selling the vermi compost packaged in 1 and 2 kgs that were produced locally. The Dzongkhag The engineering drawing and budget estimates for microbiology lab are given below: also demonstrated how to prepare vermi compost using the right species of earth worms. The flagship supported the awareness program with Nu. 17,600.00 to procure packaging materials and for printing banners.

Though we had a planned activity to conduct training especially on vermi composting Estimated budget technology for interested youths of Dagana, Tsirang, Samdrup Jongkhar and few from Thimphu Nu.8,278,114.92 with the support of Mr. Kinzang Chophel, ADAO of Tsirang Dzongkhag as resource person and with the help of experienced vermi composter Mr. Sarad Gurung for a week long hands on training at Norbugang under Samtse Dzongkhag. But due to the current COVID-19 issues we could not proceed with the training.

In total we have 18 sites with different types of composting structure and all the owners are individually trained on composting technology as shown below:

Sl. No. Name Location Remark 1 Gopi Sherpa Beteni, Tsirang Vermi compost 2 Chandara Kumar Rai Relangthang, Tsirang Vermi compost 3.6.7 Construction of bio- fertilizer and organic fertilizer store 3 Nim Dorji Drukpa Sergithang, Tsirang Vermi compost At present since we don’t even have the bio-fertilizer production plants, it is found that there is 4 Sangay Sherpa Tshendagang, dagana Vermi compost no need for bio-fertilizer store and also the store for bio-fertilizer could be constructed within the 5 Hari Prasad Pradhan Lhmoizhingkha, Dagana Compost organic fertilizer store as it would require just small space unlike organic fertilizers. Therefore, 6 Dili Ram Goshi, Dagana Vermi compost 7 Kamal Pradhan Samtenling, Sarpang Chicken manure compost for bio-fertilizer storage, few numbers of high capacity refrigerator will be procured for the 8 Sarad Gurung Norbugang, Samtse Vermi compost initial year. Through the feasibility studies, it is found that all the ARDCs do not require the 9 Padam Bdr. Ghallay Rametey, Chukha Bio-slurry compost organic fertilizer store but NSSC will be establishing one store that can store both organic and 10 Prem Singh Lepcha Pasakha, Chukha Compost bio-fertilizers. 11 Deepak Rai Kalabazar, Thimphu Vermi compost

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Though we had a planned activity to conduct training especially on vermi composting technology for interested youths of Dagana, Tsirang, Samdrup Jongkhar and few from Thimphu with the support of Mr. Kinzang Chophel, ADAO of Tsirang Dzongkhag as resource person and Estimated budget Nu. 8,278,114.92 with the help of experienced vermi composter Mr. Sarad Gurung for a week long hands on training at Norbugang under Samtse Dzongkhag. But due to the current COVID-19 issues we could not proceed with the training.

In total we have 18 sites with different types of composting structure and all the owners are individually trained on composting technology as shown below:

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Number of Units and production capacity per year Large Vermi Vermi Vermi Bioslurry Bio- Bio- Bio- Dzongkhags Number of CompostUnits and Compostproduction Compost capacity per year fertilizer compost compost compost compost digester digester digesterLarge The engineering drawing and budget estimates for organic/bio-fertilizer store are given below: Vermi Vermi Vermi Bioslurry (20MT) (5MT) (1MT) Bio- Bio- Bio- plant Dzongkhags (20MT) (5MT) (1MT) (20MT) Compost Compost Compost (0.1MT) (0.2MT) (0.3MT)fertilizer compost compost compost compost digester digester digester (7200MT) (20MT) (5MT) (1MT) plant Bumthang (20MT) (5MT) (1MT) (20MT) (0.1MT) (0.2MT) (0.3MT) (7200MT) Chukha 1 1 Bumthang Dagana 5 Chukha 1 1 GasaDagana 5 HaaGasa 10 LhuntseHaa 10 MongarLhuntse 1 ParoMongar 1 PemagatshelParo 1 PunakhaPemagatshel 1 SamtsePunakha 1 SamdrupSamtse 1 Estimated budget JongkharSamdrup 3 SarpangJongkhar 3 1 55 Nu. 1,687,260.00 ThimphuSarpang 1 1 55 Thimphu 1 Trashigang 3 TrashiyangtsiTrashigang 3 1 TrongsaTrashiyangtsi 1 40 8 Trongsa Tsirang 1 2 40 8 9 Tsirang 1 2 9 Wangdi 4 Wangdi 4 Zhemgang 6 Zhemgang 6 Total No.of Total annual Total No.of Total annual production units production MT production units 1 77 1111 1 1 1 1 6 6 40 40 10 10 67 67 9 9 1 production1 MT 20.0020.00 35.00 11.0011.00 20.0020.00 20.0020.00 30.0030.00 40.0040.00 1.001.00 13.4013.40 2.70 2.707200.007200.007393.107393.10 20.00 5.00 9.00 20.00 20.00 0.00 40.00 1.00 13.40 2.70 0.00 131.10 3.6.8 Household level FYM/Compost production plants 20.00 5.00 9.00 20.00 20.00 0.00 40.00 1.00 13.40 2.70 0.00 131.10

The team comprising of 3 officers travelled from Thimphu to Tsirang, Dagana, Sarpang, Samtse NewlyNewly constructed constructed unitsunits where the productionproduction has has not not yet yet strated strated but but will will be beproducing producing from from coming coming financial financial years years and Chukha to monitor the existing organic fertilizer production units and to revive the existing 131.10131.10 MT= MT= Production Production for FY 2019-20 DzongkhagsDzongkhags without without any production unitunit compost structures that are not functional due to the lack of technical knowledge. During the tour 7393.107393.10 MT= MT= Production Production capacity fromfrom comingcoming financial financial years years program, we also created awareness on National Organic Flagship Program and the supports that can be rendered if proposed for fund and technical backstopping if interested to set up the new organic fertilizer production units. And according we received proposals to upscale the existing TheThe Centre Centre producedproduced standard titled titled Technical Technical Regulation Regulation for for Organic Organic and and Bio Bio-fertilizer-fertilizer that that will will be used for certification and inspection. Under the National Organic Flagship Program, it is production units and establish new composting units for production of small scale organic be used for certification and inspection. Under the National Organic Flagship Program, it is expectedexpected thatthat the production ofof organicorganic fertilizerfertilizer will will rapidly rapidly increase. increase. As Asthe thefertilizer fertilizer fertilizer. productionproduction becomesbecomes commercial, factoriesfactories will will use use range range of ofraw raw materials materials of varyingof varying quality quality sourced from different places. To ensure quality and protect farmers/users from sub-standard The Centre’s target was to produce 100 metric tonnes at the end of this financial year and we sourced from different places. To ensure quality and protect farmers/users from sub-standard products,products, itit waswas necessary toto developdevelop and and re regulategulate quality quality control control by byway way of approvedof approved technical technical have production units producing 131.10 metric tonnes organic fertilizer annually. The following regulations for organic and bio-fertilizers. regulations for organic and bio-fertilizers. table shows the number of different organic fertilizer production units in each Dzongkhag with their production capacity in a year. 3.6.9 Feasibility study to determine setting of bio-fertilizer (whether to establish through 3.6.9PPP Feasibilityor FDI or Private study toindividuals) determine setting of bio-fertilizer (whether to establish through PPP or FDI or Private individuals) Table blow shows the total number of different types of organic fertilizer production units and Another important source of plant nutrient is through the use of Bio-fertilizers, which contain the their production capacity: Anothersingle strain important or mixed source strains of orpl antcombination nutrient is of through more than the 2 use beneficial of Bio -microorganisms.fertilizers, which contain the singleSome strainexamples or mixed of beneficial strains microorganismsor combination thatof more can be than covered 2 beneficial are: microorganisms. Some1. examplesRhizobium of beneficial microorganisms that can be covered are: 1.2. RhizobiumAzotobactor 2.3. AzotobactorAzospirilum 3.4. AzospirilumPhosphate Solubilizing Bacteria

4.5. PhosphatePotassium MobilizingSolubilizing Bio Bacteria-fertilizers 5.6. PotassiumZinc Solubilizing Mobilizing Bio-fertilizer Bio-fertilizers

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4.5. PhosphatePotassium MobilizingSolubilizing Bio Bacteria-fertilizers 5.6. PotassiumZinc Solubilizing Mobilizing Bio-fertilizer Bio-fertilizers

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The activity had to be suspended due to the COVID-19 issue as it requires international consultant to be hired for the country to work on the feasibility study as we lack the capacity in it. We had a planned activity to collaborate with the ICAR- Indian Institure of Soil Science, Bhopal, India, Where some of our staff will be given training on sample collection, culturing, isolation, fermentation and mass production.

3.6.10 Assess the use of bio-fertilizer/manures (quantity, efficacy, local and traditional knowledge)

To evaluate the nutrient content of locally available organic manures, the organic fertilizer samples were collected from the existing production units and were analyzed in Soil and Plant Analytical Laboratory and the result was used in the preparation of the quality standard. We based the standard on locally produced organic fertilizers analysis report so that our producers can come up with the fertilizers that are up to their nutrient content range. Whereas, if it is based on third country standard then it is be very difficult to meet the standard as the percentage of nutrient content, especially the NKP is very high.

The samples will be collected once or twice every year and it will be analyzed to check its nutrient content and accordingly as per the standard requirement it will be certified as organic fertilizer only if it qualifies. And for those that do not qualify will be asked to improve the quality and again the same procedure will be followed to get certified.

We collected samples such as vermi compost from Tsirang, Chicken manure compost and mixed compost from Sarpang, finely sieved FYM compost from SamdrupJongkhar, vermin compost Figure 30: Collected samples analysis report from Samtse and bio-slurry compost and EM treated chicken manure compost from Chukha. 3.6.11 Study N2 fixation efficiency by different leguminous plants (5 treatments) Growing legumes as ley pastures or rotation crops helps growers spread risk and manage disease,

weeds and pests. Oilseed legumes (soybeans and peanuts) and many pulses are high-value crops in their own right. The ability of legumes to form a mutually beneficial (symbiotic) association with rhizobia (a soil bacteria) and fix atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) makes them self-sufficient in nitrogen (N), enabling them to grow in almost any soil without inputs of fertilizer N. Legumes also supply N to the cropping system, with mineral N, released from legume residues as they decompose, taken up by following crops. The value of legumes in agricultural systems is strongly influenced by how well they grow and fix N2. High grain and biomass yields mean high economic returns and potentially more N added to the system via N-rich legume residues.

Benefits are greater in soils low in plant available mineral N because nodulation and N2 fixation are suppressed by high levels of available soil N. The research is being implemented and ongoing due to the cropping season. The research site is located at Yusipang research area in collaboration with NCOA Yusipang. The treatments used are Local Soybean, Improved soybean, Dwarf bean var. Borlotto, Peas, Mung beans and control, laid out in RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) with three replications.

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3.6.10 Assess the use of bio-fertilizer/manures (quantity, efficacy, local and traditional knowledge)

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The research is ongoing in all the location as the season just started for the paddy transplantation with the right climatic condition of monsoon. The detailed report will be produced only after the harvest is completed with crop cut.

Figure 31. Photos taken during field monitoring Tsento, Paro (NCOA Yusipang) Chimipang (ARDC Bajo)

3.6.12 Study and document local microbial profiles The activity to study and document local microbial profiles is being suspended due to the current COVID-19 issue as it requires travelling around the districts collecting the soil and plant sample along with the international consultant/experts to train our staff as well as conduct the field activities due to the lack of capacity and finally the samples were to be taken to third country to study the microbial content as the country still lacks the laboratory facility to culture and study the microbial content in the samples.

We had planned to work in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institutes of Soil Science (ICAR- IISS), based in Bhopal, India. We got the ICAR-IISS expert’s visit on request to our centre after

the National Organic Symposium held at Paro to briefly discuss and to their the experts views on the construction of microbiology laboratory, bio-fertilizer laboratory and to conduct the local Lingmethang (ARDC Wengkhar) ARDC Samtenling microbial profiling. And accordingly, we had planned to visit their institute to see their laboratory infrastructure and equipment used for the microbiology and bio-fertilizer production Figure 31: Aquabiota research on rice in collaboration with all ARDCs laboratories and to discuss on collaborating on microbial profiling along with training for our staff in their institute.

3.6.13 Conduct trial on different bio/organic products on selected crops 4. Financial progress With the centre mandated to look after the bio/organic products, we implemented with 2 4.1 Overall Budget and Expenditures different products i.e. Aquabiota and Silicon Filler fertilizer at all the ARDCs and National The expenditure against approved budget for the reporting period (July 2019-June 2020) Centre for Organic Agriculture. The research is being conducted on Rice at Paro, Chimipang, isdivided under two categories – 1) Donor Funded Projects’ expenditures and 2) RGoB Budget Lingmethang and Samtenling and on Potato at Yusipang. Expenditures. The summary of approved, spent and balance amount are as in the following tables.

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Figure 31. Photos taken during field monitoring Tsento, Paro (NCOA Yusipang) Chimipang (ARDC Bajo)

We had planned to work in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institutes of Soil Science (ICAR- IISS), based in Bhopal, India. We got the ICAR-IISS expert’s visit on request to our centre after

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Table 21: Donor funded projects’ expenditures ApprovedApproved ExpenditureExpenditure BalanceBalance Table 21: Donor funded projects’ expenditures ParticularParticular Table 21: Donor funded projects’Budget expenditures Appropriations Expenditure Unspent BudgetBudget (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) Account Budget Appropriations Expenditure Unspent Account Budget(Nu. Appropriations in Million) Expenditure(Nu. in Million) (Nu.Unspent in Million) To Collect Fertilizers Samples for its Quality Analysis 0.288 0.272 0.016 Account (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) To Collect Fertilizers Samples for its Quality Analysis 0.288 0.272 0.016 RDCCRP (Nu. in1.402 Million) (Nu. in 1.063Million) (Nu. in Million)0.339 Bio-Fertilizers Trial at ARDC Yusipang, Bajo, Samtelling 0.090 0.085 0.005 RDCCRP 1.402 1.063 0.339 Bio-Fertilizers Trial at ARDC Yusipang, Bajo, Samtelling 0.090 0.085 0.005 AFFACIRDCCRP 1.4021.342 1.0630.964 0.3390.378 andand WengkharWengkhar AFFACI 1.342 0.964 0.378 Research on Isolation and Identifying native earth worm 0.070 0.069 0.001 BTFECAFFACI 1.3421.402 0.9641.391 0.3780.011 Research on Isolation and Identifying native earth worm 0.070 0.069 0.001 BTFEC 1.402 1.391 0.011 speciesspecies suitablesuitable for vermivermi--compostingcomposting GEFBTFEC-LDCF 1.4027.596 1.3916.942 0.0110.6 54 GEF-LDCF 7.596 6.942 0.654 EMEM SolutionSolution production andand distributiondistribution 0.1110.111 0.0680.068 0.0430.043 GCFGEF- LDCF 7.52.15996 6.9421.68 6 0.60.47354 On-station organic fertilizers trial 0.060 0.014 0.046 GCF 2.159 1.686 0.473 On-station organic fertilizers trial 0.060 0.014 0.046 UNCCDGCF 2.1590.600 1.680.4946 0.4730.106 Lift/Collect Seized fertilizers 0.126 0.055 0.071 UNCCD 0.600 0.494 0.106 Lift/Collect Seized fertilizers 0.126 0.055 0.071 GRANDUNCCD TOTAL 0.60014.501 0.49412.54 0 0.1061.9 61 Procure and distribute legume seeds to enhance soil fertility 0.140 0.140 0.000 GRAND TOTAL 14.501 12.540 1.961 Procure and distribute legume seeds to enhance soil fertility 0.140 0.140 0.000 GRAND TOTAL 14.501 12.540 1.961 Total 27.168 26.236 0.932 Total 27.168 26.236 0.932

Table 22:RGoB budget expenditures Table 22:RGoB budget expenditures Annex –1: Staff Strength Table 22:RGoB budget expenditures Approved Expenditure Balance Particular Annex –1: Staff Strength BudgetApprovedApproved (Nu.mil) ExpenditureExpenditure(Nu.mil) Balance(Nu.mil)Balance Sl. No. Name Qualification Position Title ParticularParticular Sl. No. Name Qualification Position Title BudgetBudget (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) 1 Karma Dema Dorji Ph.D Program Director Direction Services 18.065 18.059 0.006 Direction Services 18.06518.065 181.0598.059 0.0060.006 12 KarmaJamyang Dema Dorji M.Phil.Ph.D SpecialistProgram II Director Operation and Management Services 4.134 4.073 0.061 Operation and ManagementManagement Services Services 4.1344.134 4.0734.073 0.0610.061 23 JamyangTashi Wangdi M.Sc.M.Phil. SpecialistSpecialist III II Fees for Testing of Soil 0.110 0.110 0.000 3 Tashi Wangdi M.Sc. Specialist III Fees for Testing ofof SoilSoil 0.1100.110 0.1100.110 0.0000.000 4 Phuntsho Gyeltshen M.Sc. Dy. Chief SS & LE officer Coordinate Soil and Land development Research 0.042 0.042 0.000 45 PhuntshoTsheten Dorji Gyeltshen M.Sc.M.Sc. Sr.Dy. Soil Chief Survey SS and & LELand officer Evaluation Officer Coordinate Soil andand LandLand development development Research Research 0.0420.042 0.00.042 42 0.0000.000 Conduct Soil Survey and Mapping in Cultivated/Arable 0.441 0.426 0.015 56 TshetenSuraj Chettri Dorji M.Sc.M.Sc. PrincipalSr. Soil SF Survey & PNO and Land Evaluation Officer Conduct Soil Survey and Mapping in Cultivated/Arable 0.441 0.426 0.015 landConduct Soil Survey and Mapping in Cultivated/Arable 0.441 0.426 0.015 67 SurajHaka ChettriDrukpa B.Sc.M.Sc. Sr.Principal SF & PNO SF & PNO land Conductland Feasibility Study for Resettlement of Farmers for 0.214 0.202 0.012 78 HakaTashi DrukpaWangchuk B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Sr. Laboratory SF & PNO Officer Conduct Feasibility Study for Resettlement of Farmers for 0.214 0.202 0.012 theConduct National Feasibility Rehabilitation Study for Project Resettlement of Farmers for 0.214 0.202 0.012 89 TashiDawa WangchukTashi B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Sr. Soil Laboratory Survey and Officer Land Evaluation Officer the National Rehabilitation Project Providethe National Technical Rehabilitation Support TowardsProject Land Conversion 0.153 0.127 0.026 910 DawaSonam Tashi Tenzin B.Sc.B.Sc. SoilSr. Survey Soil Survey and Land and Evaluation Land Evaluation Officer Officer Provide Technical Support Towards Land Conversion 0.153 0.127 0.026 ActivityProvide Technicalat HH Level Support Towards Land Conversion 0.153 0.127 0.026 1011 SonamJigme Tshering Tenzin B.Sc.B.Sc. LandSoil Management Survey and OfficerLand Evaluation Officer Activity at HH LevelLevel Investigate Soil and Land Specific to Degradation, Mining, 0.153 0.072 0.081 1112 JigmeTashi UdenTshering B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Land Soil FertilityManagement and Plant Officer Nutrition Supervisor I Investigate Soil andand LandLand Specific Specific to to Degra Degradation,dation, Mining, Mining, 0.1530.153 0.0720.072 0.0810.081 13 Chenga Tshering Diploma Dy. Chief Agriculture Officer Flooding etc. 12 Tashi Uden B.Sc. Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor I Flooding etc. 14 Kuenzang Nima Diploma Land Management Supervisor Perform Soil InvestigationInvestigation in in Kamzhing Kamzhing and and Orchard Orchard with with 0.0040.004 0.0010.001 0.0030.003 13 Chenga Tshering Diploma Dy. Chief Agriculture Officer Perform Soil Investigation in Kamzhing and Orchard with 0.004 0.001 0.003 15 Yeshey Chedup Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Soil Problems 14 Kuenzang Nima Diploma Land Management Supervisor Soil Problems 16 Tshewang Tobgay Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Perform Cartographic CompositionComposition of of Maps, Maps, Printing Printing and and 0.2970.297 0.2810.281 0.0160.016 15 Yeshey Chedup Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Perform Cartographic Composition of Maps, Printing and 0.297 0.281 0.016 17 Shem Singh Lepcha Diploma Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Spatial Analysis 16 Tshewang Tobgay Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Spatial Analysis 18 Sangita Pradhan Diploma Sr. Technician Monitor of Land DegraDegradationdation Neutrality Neutrality and and Past Past SLM SLM 0.1640.164 0.1640.164 0.0000.000 17 Shem Singh Lepcha Diploma Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Monitor of Land Degradation Neutrality and Past SLM 0.164 0.164 0.000 19 Tshering Pem Diploma Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Sites 18 Sangita Pradhan Diploma Sr. Technician Sites 20 Karma Lekpel Jamtsho Diploma Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Improve Soil FertilityFertility ThroughThrough use use of of Green Green Manure Manure 0.3030.303 0.2730.273 0.0300.030 19 Tshering Pem Diploma Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Improve Soil Fertility Through use of Green Manure 0.303 0.273 0.030 21 Nima Tshering Diploma Agriculture Supervisor II Promote IPNM Practices under Rice Production 0.484 0.283 0.201 20 Karma Lekpel Jamtsho Diploma Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Promote IPNM Practices under Rice Production 0.484 0.283 0.201 22 Dambar Alay Diploma Lab. Assistant II Promote IPNM Practices under Rice Production 0.484 0.283 0.201 21 Nima Tshering Diploma Agriculture Supervisor II Promote IPNM PracticesPractices under under Maize Maize Production Production 0.1470.147 0.1080.108 0.0390.039 23 Thinley Wangdi Diploma Lab. Assistant II Promote IPNM Practices under Maize Production 0.147 0.108 0.039 22 Dambar Alay Diploma Lab. Assistant II Conduct Trails andand ComeCome up up with with better better Fertilizers Fertilizers 0.1180.118 0.1080.108 0.0100.010 24 Jigme Dorji Diploma Sr. Lab Technician I Conduct Trails and Come up with better Fertilizers 0.118 0.108 0.010 23 Thinley Wangdi Diploma Lab. Assistant II Recommendation DoseDose forfor Citrus Citrus 29 Ran Bahadur Subba Diploma Sr. Lab. Assistant II Recommendation Dose for Citrus 24 Jigme Dorji Diploma Sr. Lab Technician I Promote Good IPNMIPNM TechniquesTechniques Through Through Use Use of of 0.0920.092 0.0900.090 0.0020.002 25 Pelzang Certificate Sr. Lab. Technician II Promote Good IPNM Techniques Through Use of 0.092 0.090 0.002 29 Ran Bahadur Subba Diploma Sr. Lab. Assistant II Micronutrients (boron)(boron) 26 Jigme Kuendrel Certificate Sr. Lab Assistant IV Micronutrients (boron) 25 Pelzang Certificate Sr. Lab. Technician II Design and Layout TrailsTrails in in Collaboration Collaboration with with ARDC ARDC 0.0860.086 0.0460.046 0.0400.040 27 Wangchuk Dema Certificate Sr. Lab. Assistant II Design and Layout Trails in Collaboration with ARDC 0.086 0.046 0.040 26 Jigme Kuendrel Certificate Sr. Lab Assistant IV Yusipang 28 Karma Choden Certificate Lab .Assistant II Yusipang Transportation ofof FertilizersFertilizers and and Seeds Seeds to to work work related related 0.1000.100 0.0450.045 0.0550.055 2730 WangchukNorbu Rinchen Dema CertificateCertificate Sr.Sr. Laboratory Lab. Assistant Assistant II IV Transportation of Fertilizers and Seeds to work related 0.100 0.045 0.055 Dzongkhags 2831 KarmaSingay ChodenChojey CertificateCertificate AccountsLab .Assistant Assistant II Dzongkhags UB Activity--SoilSoil TextureTexture and and other other Nutrient Nutrient analysis analysis 0.5030.503 0.4880.488 0.0150.015 30 Norbu Rinchen Certificate Sr. Laboratory Assistant IV UB Activity-Soil Texture and other Nutrient analysis 0.503 0.488 0.015 31 Singay Chojey Certificate Accounts Assistant Monitoring of ProjectsProjects 0.1730.173 0.1710.171 0.0020.002 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 49 Monitoring of Projects 0.173 0.171 0.002 NSSC Annual ReportReport 20192019--20202020 PagePage 48 48 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 49 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 48

ApprovedApproved ExpenditureExpenditure BalanceBalance Table 21: Donor funded projects’ expenditures ParticularParticular Table 21: Donor funded projects’ expenditures BudgetBudget (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) Budget Appropriations Expenditure Unspent Account Budget Appropriations Expenditure Unspent To Collect Fertilizers Samples for its Quality Analysis 0.288 0.272 0.016 Account (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) To Collect Fertilizers Samples for its Quality Analysis 0.288 0.272 0.016 (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) (Nu. in Million) Bio-Fertilizers Trial at ARDC Yusipang, Bajo, Samtelling 0.090 0.085 0.005 RDCCRP 1.402 1.063 0.339 Bio-Fertilizers Trial at ARDC Yusipang, Bajo, Samtelling 0.090 0.085 0.005 RDCCRP 1.402 1.063 0.339 andand WengkharWengkhar AFFACI 1.3421.342 0.9640.964 0.3780.378 ResearchResearch on Isolation andand IdentifyingIdentifying native native earth earth worm worm 0.0700.070 0.0690.069 0.0010.001 species suitable for vermi-composting BTFEC 1.4021.402 1.3911.391 0.0110.011 species suitable for vermi-composting GEF-LDCF 7.596 6.942 0.654 EMEM SolutionSolution production andand distributiondistribution 0.1110.111 0.0680.068 0.0430.043 GEF-LDCF 7.596 6.942 0.654 On-station organic fertilizers trial 0.060 0.014 0.046 GCF 2.159 1.686 0.473 On-station organic fertilizers trial 0.060 0.014 0.046 GCF 2.159 1.686 0.473 Lift/Collect Seized fertilizers 0.126 0.055 0.071 UNCCD 0.600 0.494 0.106 Lift/Collect Seized fertilizers 0.126 0.055 0.071 UNCCD 0.600 0.494 0.106 Procure and distribute legume seeds to enhance soil fertility 0.140 0.140 0.000 GRAND TOTAL 14.501 12.540 1.961 Procure and distribute legume seeds to enhance soil fertility 0.140 0.140 0.000 GRAND TOTAL 14.501 12.540 1.961 Total 27.168 26.236 0.932 Total 27.168 26.236 0.932

Table 22:RGoB budgetbudget expendituresexpenditures Annex –1: Staff Strength Annex –1: Staff Strength ApprovedApproved ExpenditureExpenditure BalanceBalance Sl. No. Name Qualification Position Title ParticularParticular Sl. No. Name Qualification Position Title BudgetBudget (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) (Nu.mil)(Nu.mil) 1 Karma Dema Dorji Ph.D Program Director Direction Services 18.06518.065 181.0598.059 0.0060.006 12 KarmaJamyang Dema Dorji M.Phil.Ph.D SpecialistProgram II Director Operation and ManagementManagement Services Services 4.1344.134 4.0734.073 0.0610.061 23 JamyangTashi Wangdi M.Sc.M.Phil. SpecialistSpecialist III II 3 Tashi Wangdi M.Sc. Specialist III Fees for Testing ofof SoilSoil 0.1100.110 0.1100.110 0.0000.000 4 Phuntsho Gyeltshen M.Sc. Dy. Chief SS & LE officer 45 PhuntshoTsheten Dorji Gyeltshen M.Sc.M.Sc. Sr.Dy. Soil Chief Survey SS and & LELand officer Evaluation Officer Coordinate Soil andand LandLand development development Research Research 0.0420.042 0.00.042 42 0.0000.000 56 TshetenSuraj Chettri Dorji M.Sc.M.Sc. PrincipalSr. Soil SF Survey & PNO and Land Evaluation Officer Conduct Soil SurveySurvey andand Mapping Mapping in in Cultivated/Arable Cultivated/Arable 0.4410.441 0.40.426 26 0.0150.015 67 SurajHaka ChettriDrukpa B.Sc.M.Sc. Sr.Principal SF & PNO SF & PNO land 78 HakaTashi DrukpaWangchuk B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Sr. Laboratory SF & PNO Officer Conduct Feasibility StudyStudy for for Resettlement Resettlement of of Farmers Farmers for for 0.2140.214 0.2020.202 0.0120.012 89 TashiDawa WangchukTashi B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Sr. Soil Laboratory Survey and Officer Land Evaluation Officer the National Rehabilitation Project the National Rehabilitation Project 910 DawaSonam Tashi Tenzin B.Sc.B.Sc. SoilSr. Survey Soil Survey and Land and Evaluation Land Evaluation Officer Officer Provide Technical Support Towards Land Conversion 0.153 0.127 0.026 Provide Technical Support Towards Land Conversion 0.153 0.127 0.026 1011 SonamJigme Tshering Tenzin B.Sc.B.Sc. LandSoil Management Survey and OfficerLand Evaluation Officer Activity at HH Level Activity at HH Level 1112 JigmeTashi UdenTshering B.Sc.B.Sc. Sr.Land Soil FertilityManagement and Plant Officer Nutrition Supervisor I Investigate Soil andand LandLand Specific Specific to to Degra Degradation,dation, Mining, Mining, 0.1530.153 0.0720.072 0.0810.081 13 Chenga Tshering Diploma Dy. Chief Agriculture Officer Flooding etc. 12 Tashi Uden B.Sc. Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor I Flooding etc. 14 Kuenzang Nima Diploma Land Management Supervisor Perform Soil Investigation in Kamzhing and Orchard with 0.004 0.001 0.003 13 Chenga Tshering Diploma Dy. Chief Agriculture Officer Perform Soil Investigation in Kamzhing and Orchard with 0.004 0.001 0.003 15 Yeshey Chedup Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Soil Problems 14 Kuenzang Nima Diploma Land Management Supervisor Soil Problems 16 Tshewang Tobgay Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Perform Cartographic Composition of Maps, Printing and 0.297 0.281 0.016 15 Yeshey Chedup Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Perform Cartographic Composition of Maps, Printing and 0.297 0.281 0.016 17 Shem Singh Lepcha Diploma Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Spatial Analysis 16 Tshewang Tobgay Diploma Sr. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Spatial Analysis 18 Sangita Pradhan Diploma Sr. Technician Monitor of Land Degradation Neutrality and Past SLM 0.164 0.164 0.000 17 Shem Singh Lepcha Diploma Soil Survey and Land Evaluation Supervisor Monitor of Land Degradation Neutrality and Past SLM 0.164 0.164 0.000 19 Tshering Pem Diploma Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Sites 18 Sangita Pradhan Diploma Sr. Technician Sites 20 Karma Lekpel Jamtsho Diploma Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Improve Soil Fertility Through use of Green Manure 0.303 0.273 0.030 19 Tshering Pem Diploma Sr. Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Improve Soil Fertility Through use of Green Manure 0.303 0.273 0.030 21 Nima Tshering Diploma Agriculture Supervisor II 20 Karma Lekpel Jamtsho Diploma Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Supervisor II Promote IPNM Practices under Rice Production 0.484 0.283 0.201 22 Dambar Alay Diploma Lab. Assistant II Promote IPNM Practices under Rice Production 0.484 0.283 0.201 21 Nima Tshering Diploma Agriculture Supervisor II Promote IPNM Practices under Maize Production 0.147 0.108 0.039 23 Thinley Wangdi Diploma Lab. Assistant II Promote IPNM Practices under Maize Production 0.147 0.108 0.039 22 Dambar Alay Diploma Lab. Assistant II Conduct Trails and Come up with better Fertilizers 0.118 0.108 0.010 24 Jigme Dorji Diploma Sr. Lab Technician I Conduct Trails and Come up with better Fertilizers 0.118 0.108 0.010 23 Thinley Wangdi Diploma Lab. Assistant II Recommendation Dose for Citrus 29 Ran Bahadur Subba Diploma Sr. Lab. Assistant II Recommendation Dose for Citrus 24 Jigme Dorji Diploma Sr. Lab Technician I Promote Good IPNM Techniques Through Use of 0.092 0.090 0.002 25 Pelzang Certificate Sr. Lab. Technician II Promote Good IPNM Techniques Through Use of 0.092 0.090 0.002 29 Ran Bahadur Subba Diploma Sr. Lab. Assistant II Micronutrients (boron) 26 Jigme Kuendrel Certificate Sr. Lab Assistant IV Micronutrients (boron) 25 Pelzang Certificate Sr. Lab. Technician II Design and Layout Trails in Collaboration with ARDC 0.086 0.046 0.040 27 Wangchuk Dema Certificate Sr. Lab. Assistant II 26 Jigme Kuendrel Certificate Sr. Lab Assistant IV DesignYusipang and Layout Trails in Collaboration with ARDC 0.086 0.046 0.040 28 Karma Choden Certificate Lab .Assistant II Yusipang Transportation of Fertilizers and Seeds to work related 0.100 0.045 0.055 2730 WangchukNorbu Rinchen Dema CertificateCertificate Sr.Sr. Laboratory Lab. Assistant Assistant II IV TransportationDzongkhags of Fertilizers and Seeds to work related 0.100 0.045 0.055 2831 KarmaSingay ChodenChojey CertificateCertificate AccountsLab .Assistant Assistant II DzongkhagsUB Activity- Soil Texture and other Nutrient analysis 0.503 0.488 0.015 30 Norbu Rinchen Certificate Sr. Laboratory Assistant IV UBMonitoring Activity of-Soil Projects Texture and other Nutrient analysis 0.1730.503 0.1710.488 0.0020.015 NSSC31 AnnualSingay Chojey Report 2019-2020 Certificate Accounts Assistant Page 49 Monitoring of Projects 0.173 0.171 0.002 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 48 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 49 NSSC Annual Report 2019-2020 Page 48

Sl. No. Name Qualification Position Title Sl. Year of Report Title 32 Tshering Delkar Certificate Administration Assistant No. Publication 33 Cheki Lhadon Certificate Messenger 18 BHUCAT - Bhutan Catalogue of Soil and Water Conservation Approaches and 2011 34 Wangchuk Certificate Driver Technologies - Best Practices and Guidelines from Bhutan for Sustainable Land 35 Pradeep Lohar Certificate Driver Management on Steep to Very Steep Slopes 36 Tashi Dorji Certificate Driver Working the Land - Documenting the Key Lessons of Sustainable Land 19 2011 37 Tshering Drukpa Certificate Driver Management on Steep to Very Steep Slopes in Bhutan 38 Rinchen Norbu Class IX ESP Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) on Soil & Soil Fertility 20 2011 39 Rinzin Wangmo Class VIII ESP Management 40 Pema Wangchuk Class VIII ESP Participatory Approaches in Sustainable Land Management – Planning, 41 Sita Gurung Class V Dry Sweeper 21 Implementation &Monitoring as Continuous Learning Processes 2011 42 Kencho Tenzin – Night Guard 22 National Action Plan to Combat Land Degradation 2010 Soil Erosion –Measurement and analysis of soil erosion plot data for 2009 Annex –2: List of Publications 23 2010 Evaluation of GEF-MSP Project: Building capacity and Main- streaming Sl. Year of 24 2010 Report Title Sustainable Land Management in Bhutan No. Publication Final Report Terminal Evaluation UNDP/GEF Medium Sized 25 2010 1 Soil Loss Prediction Using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) for 2020 Project on Building Capacity & Mainstreaming SLM in Bhutan Amochhu Watershed in South-western Bhutan 26 Development of Research/ Activity Project Proposals 2010 2 Technical Regulations For Organic and Bio-fertilizers 2020 27 SLMP Annual Work Plan (2010-11) 2010 3 Assessment of Soil Fertility Status using soil nutrient index in three landuse 2020 systems in Bhutan, BJA, Volume III Issue 1, February, 2020 28 Integrated Biodiversity Survey of the Lower Wangchhu Water- shed, Bhutan 2010 4 Assessment of Soil Fertility Status using Soil Nutrient Index in Three Land Use 2020 29 Rangeland Management in Bhutan 2010 Systems in Bhutan Study on Poverty Sustainable Land Management Linkages in 30 2009 5 Soil Conservation Manual 2019 Bhutan-A consultancy Report-2009

6 Land Use Mapping of LDCF Sites 2019 DrukDIF for the Natural Resources of Bhutan – A Consultancy 31 2009 7 Digital Soil Mapping of Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Bhutan – Published in 2019 Report-2009 Bhutan Journal of Agriculture, Volume II Issue I; February 2019 Sustainable Land Management Participatory Action Planning 32 2009 8 Evaluation of Potting Mix on the Growth of Container-Grown Trifoliate Orange 2018 Manual & Tool Kit (Poncirustrifoliata) 33 SLMP Annual Work Plan (2009-10) 2009 9 Agriculture Land Development Guidelines (ALDG) 2017 34 Sustainable Land Management Interventions: Cost Benefit Analysis Report 10 A participatory approach towards increasing potato yield for Thrimshing 2016 2009 Farmers (Soil Fertility Unit - Published in SanamDrupdey, 6th Edition; 35 Rural Livelihoods and Peri-Urban Analysis 2009 Feb’16) 11 Fertilizer Recommendations for Major Crops in Bhutan Version 2013 Review of Mainstreaming of sustainable Land Management in 36 2008 # 2 Government Policies and Plans in Bhutan 12 Project Implementation Completion Report – SLM Project 2013 37 A guide to Fertilizer Recommendation for Major Crops 2008 13 Bhutan Land Cover Assessment 2010-Technical Report 2011 14 Soil and Plant Diversity Study along Gasa-Lunana Transect in 2011 38 A guide to Nutrient Deficiency/ToxicitySymptoms in Citrus 2008 Bhutan

15 SLMP Annual Work Plan (2011-12) 2011

16 Soil Erosion – Measurement and analysis of soil erosion plot data for 2010 2011

17 Soil Erosion – Measurement and Analysis of Soil Erosion Plot 2011 Data for 2011

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15 SLMP Annual Work Plan (2011-12) 2011

16 Soil Erosion – Measurement and analysis of soil erosion plot data for 2010 2011

17 Soil Erosion – Measurement and Analysis of Soil Erosion Plot 2011 Data for 2011

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Annex –3: Thesis and dissertations on soil and land management Karma DemaDorji (2016). Soils as proxies of environmental fluctuationsat the southern 1 slopes of the Bhutan Himalayas. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

TsheringDorji (2015). Soil carbon variability under montane ecosystems: assessing the 2 influenceof landscape attributes. The University of Sydney, Australia Suzy Rebisz (2015). Cardamom-Based Agroforestry Systems: The Soil Fertility 3 Management in cardamom- dominant systems, wild forest-cardamom systems and mixed trees-cardamom systems in Darla, Bhutan. Wageningen University, The Netherlands. Thomas Kott (2012). A Comparative Study on Erosion risk on plots with a Continuous 4 Cultivation System and plots with a Shifting Cultivation System (Tseri) in Bhutan.Wageningen University, The Netherlands. TshetenDorji (2011). Computer Aided Land Evaluation for paddy rice cultivation in the 5 mountainous area. A case study of Radhi Watershed, Bhutan. Khon Kean University, Thailand. Tshering (RC-Yusipang, 2011). Impact of fertilizer practices on soil & plant nutrient status and 6 their relations to yield and fruit quality of apple in Bhutan. Kasetsart University, Thailand.

Yeshey (RC-Bajo, 2010). A comparative assessment of land management approaches in 7 Bhutan. Case study from Chukha&Dagana districts. Asian Institute of Technology, Thai- land.

TshewangNamgay (NOP, 2010). InfluenceofBiochar on the plant uptake of trace elements 8 and their bioavailability in soil. The University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. TsheringDorji (2009). Chronosequence of river terraces at Thangbi, Bumthang. Wageningen 9 University, the Netherlands. ChhimiRinzin (DoA, 2008). Status, options and challenges in soil and water conservation in 10 Bhutan: an implication for sustainable land management. Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. Thomas Caspari (2007). The soils of Bhutan: Parent materials, soil forming processes, and new 11 insights into the paleo-climate of the Eastern Himalayas. Borntrager, Berlin, Stuttgart, Germany. FranziskaStossel (ETH Intern, 2000). Evaluation of Current Apple Tree (Malusdomestica) 12 Nutrient Management Practices in the Paro&Thimphu Valleys. YesheyDema (2000). Nitrogen Mineralization from Cattle FYM – A Case Study from Bhu- tan, 13 University of Reading, UK Karma DemaDorji (1998). Within fieldvariability in soil physical and hydraulic properties, 14 crop growth & soil water dynamics. University of Reading, UK 15 Jamyang (1998). Effects of Organic Matter on Micro-Nutrients, University of Reading, UK ChenchoNorbu (1989). Effect of Organic (cattle manure-rice straw) and inorganic fertilizers on 16 wetland rice production. Central Luzon State University, Philippines.

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