Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme

Stories of Change Compilation of Case Stories and Articles

Issue III (2019-20) Contents

Vegetable Value Chain Development (Page 3) Editors A farmer from Dramang village reaps good returns from early chili ...... 4 Lhap Dorji, ARDC Wengkhar Youth engagement in mushroom spawn production enterprise ...... 8 Dorji Wangchuk, OPM CARLEP Farmers move toward local enterprise...... 11 Lodey Phuntsho, ARDC Wengkhar Post Harvest program enhances the development of farm-based micro-enterprise ...... 15 Sonam Gyeltshen, ARDC Wengkhar Onion curing shed- a popular method adopted by Domkhar villagers ...... 19 Tshiltrim, ARDC Wengkhar Phuntshothang farmers take up winter chili production...... 23 Sangay Jamtsho, RAMCO Mongar Business to business linkage: Linking farmers to the market...... 25 Chhimi Lhamo, OPM CARLEP Sangay Choda, OPM CARLEP Dairy Value Chain Development (Page 28) Compiled By Yangtse dairy group profits through value addition and product diversification...... 29 Chhimi Lhamo Improvement of nutritional value ...... 32 Orong gewog towards achieving self sufficiency in milk production...... 35 Design and Layout Sangay Choda Climate Resilient Farming (Page 37) Chhimi Lhamo Automated irrigation system: An innovation using open source ICT technology...... 39 Bimkhar villager adopts greenhouse solar dryer...... 44 Awashing farmers benefits from fallow land reversion, irrigation and crop protection facilities...... 48 Tapping spring water for dryland irrigation...... 51 Photographs contributed by Community seed production group for upland paddy...... 54 Respective Author, except for: - Sangay Choda Wangringmo farmers benefit from efficient irrigation...... 57 Cover Page,4,12,28,34,38,54,60,70, -Sangay Jamtsho and Tshering Pem 10,40,44,61 Institutional Support: Women, Youth and Lead Farmers (Page 60) Success stories of lead farmers...... 61 Any article may be reproduced with prior permission from Office of the Programme Management. Integrated agri-enterprise start-ups...... 70 Copyright reserved @CARLEP2020 Programme Profile Programme Profile

Programme Area Programme Title: Commercial Agriculture & Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP) The programme will target selected Gewogs in six eastern Dzongkhags (Lhuentse, Mongar, Pemagatshel, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trashiyangtse and Trashigang) with high Location: Six eastern Dzongkhags (Lhuentse, Mongar, Pema Gatshel, Samdrup production and marketing potential in the selected value chains. The programme will Jongkhar, Trashigang and Trashi Yangtse)(see Maps alongside). benefit 28000 smallholder HHs of which 5000 HHs will directly benefit from vegetable and dairy value chains. Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Agriculture & Forests is the lead implementer with regional agencies such as ARDC Wengkhar, RLDC Kanglung and RAMCO Mongar in the programme dzongkhags. Dzongkhag Administrations of six programme dzongkhags is also a core implementing partner alongside KIL Chenary and SJI samdrup Jongkhar.

Goals & Objectives: The overall programme goal is to sustainably increase smallholder farmers’ incomes and reduce rural poverty through climate resilient commercialized production of crops and livestock by programme households linked to nationally organized value chains and marketing systems. The specific objective is to increase returns to smallholder farmers through climate resilient production of crops and livestock in nationally organized value chains and marketing systems. Outputs: 1. Increased production resilience, diversification and innovation 2. Vegetable production intensified and expanded 3. Dairy production intensified and expanded 4. Resilient vegetable and dairy value chains developed 5. Agricultural commercialization and enterprise development strengthened 6. Community driven strategic market infrastructure developed 7. Strengthened value chain and marketing knowledge and communication 8. Climate change resilience and value chain lessons mainstreamed in agricultural policies and sector strategies Components: Component 1: Market-led Sustainable Agricultural Production Component 2: Value Chain Development and Marketing Component 3: Institutional Support and Policy Development Component 4: Programme Management, Coordination and Monitoring & Evaluation

1 2 Vegetable

Value

Chain hili is largely consumed as ‘a to take up farming as a reliable source must’ ingredient in Bhutanese of income-generation. The farming diet. Almost all the Bhutanese business that he started as a mere A Farmer from Cdishes contains chili in various forms. opportunity for bringing in some Hence there is a huge demand for money has now turned into a passion. chill round the year. Despite the huge He began his journey with early chili demand throughout the year, most of cultivation which he says is marketable Dramang Village the farmers and plans to only opt for grow more summer chili “A Taxi driver ventures on his land. cultivation and To start up Reaps Good very few opt the chili for winter chili into cultivation, cultivation Sonam due to various early chili production” received Returns from reason. For seeds and people who other inputs does not such as grow chili in polytunnel a particular season, obtaining chili is plastics and other necessary materials Early Chili a challenging task. Therefore, the from the Dzongkhag agriculture shortage of supply during the winter is sector and Agriculture Research often met through import from across and Development Centre (ARDC) the border, which are often ladened Wengkhar, with fund support from Farming with chemicals beyond the permissible CARLEP-IFAD. limit. Sonam developed the fallow Nim Dem, EA Shongphu A case of a driver turned land and grew chili on his 0.45 farmer acres of land, located at 900 Sonam Tobgay, 38, meter above mean sea level. served as a taxi driver In August 2018, he for many years, engrossed his yet he was time in nursery financially raising of hybrid challenged for chili variety and meeting his began transplantation of the expenditure. Therefore, in seedling in October 2018. In February 2018, Sonam left his driving profession 2019, he produced 550 kg chili from his and went back to his village, Dramang first harvest, out of which, 400 kg were under Shongphu gewog, Trashigang 5 6 Youth Engagement sold at Nu.100 per kg. He earned Nu. 40,000 from his first harvest. Though it in Mushroom was an early chili production initiated for the first time in the Geog, he reaped fairly good benefits from his maiden Spawn effort. The produces were mostly sold Sonam Tobgay working in his field to Rangjung Central School, Rangjung Vocational Technical Institute(VTI) and Production Rangjung Market. With the success in his maiden effort, Sonam plans to continue early chili Enterprise production along with the cultivation of other vegetables like cole crops and onion in the following seasons. Nonetheless, he is immensely contented with the income earned from early chili production initiated on his family land which was left fallow land for a few Sonam is now a model farmer who is Tshering Dorji 1, Thinley Gyeltshen 2 and Cheten Wangchuk 3 years. among the first to benefit from early chili production in the gewog. He is open to line with the increasing actual intensification of the mushroom sharing his experience with the fellow demand for mushroom spawn cultivation in the region. Over a course farmers who want to go for early chili Inand promoting mushroom of time, Oyster mushroom production cultivation. cultivation in the region, the Mushroom has increased by almost 36% in FY At present, Sonam has become an Spawn Production Unit (MSPU) at 2018-19. exemplary person in his region and Khangma, Trashigang was established Considering the potential of the crop and many farmers in his locality look up to in 2015 under the ARDC Wengkhar and its suitability in the region, the MSPU at following his path. With his success, was technically linked to the National Khangma has started targeting farmers, neighbors express their interest to go Mushroom Centre, Wangchutaba. To schools and institutions both at a small for commercial early chili production date, the unit produces 9,000 bottles scale as well as commercial-scale to help reduce the import of chili in the of Shiitake and 4000 bottles of Oyster production. Since 2016, the unit has country. mushroom spawn on average in a inoculated about 122,000 oak billets year, with fund supports from various with Shiitake mushroom covering 237 sources particularly CARLEP-IFAD growers and, about 27, 000 bags with since FY 2016-17. CARLEP–IFAD an oyster mushroom on straw substrate extended supports in improving the covering about 100 growers with fund tools and equipment, training and 7 8 Mongar were selected for the mushroom spawn production based on the location, expression of interest and field experiences. Following the selection, the youths were provided support with hands-on training from CARLEP-IFAD. on mushroom spawn production About 6 growers on to increase their knowledge and Mushroom spawn commercial-scale have also initiated abilities. Besides, a proper investment investment through credit support, youths are engaged in developing 650 specifying both project and beneficiary opening up opportunities of credit and 1000 bottles of spawn respectively. The MSPU“ aims to contributions was also worked out. investment in mushroom cultivation These entrepreneurs are expected to and promotion of mushroom enterprise. At initial, a unit started with an annual develop about 2000 bottles of spawn attract more youths target of 2000 bottles of spawn which annually. The spawn produced will be With increasing uptake of mushroom and smallholder will be upscaled based on demand. sold to other farmers in the locality cultivation by farmers, the requirement farmers into A total of Nu.387,450 per unit was taking up oyster cultivation. of mushroom spawn especially oyster invested on 50:50 cost-sharing mushroom farming mushroom spawn is on the rise. As As the entrepreneurs upscale their modality where the project funded there is an opportunity to promote production, the MSPU/ARDSC with improved the purchase of equipment such as oyster mushroom spawn production as Khangma will downscale oyster laminar flow, autoclave, spirit lamp, technology, training, an enterprise, the MSPU in 2018-19 FY spawn production and focus on other crates, refrigerator, and a panel heater began taking oyster spawn production mushrooms spawn development and research. Over while the beneficiary contributed for targeting youths as an enterprise. In line and research. This will be done to a course of time, the the infrastructure, substrate, labor and with the objectives of the 12th FYP, the encourage the full utilization of the basic items such as bowl, physical unit has witnessed establishment of spawn enterprise can spawns developed by entrepreneurs. balance, sprayer bottle, wooden rack be a better strategy for the MSPU as Simultaneously, the MSPU will be the growing shelve, etc. The charge for the land more time will be provided to research monitoring their spawn production and popularity for use was excluded as it was owned by and promotion if spawn production is provide timely guidance. entrepreneurs. spawn production, gradually given to enterprises. Prospect of Upscaling the Mushroom oyster and shiitake Nurturing Youth Entrepreneurs for 1. Sr. Extension Supervisor II, Agriculture and Spawn Production Research Development Sub-center, Khangma, the Mushroom Spawn Production Trashigang cultivation as an Since the establishment, the two 2. Agriculture Officer, Agriculture and Three youths from Pemathang Research Development Sub-center, Khangma, enterprise youths from Pemathang and Tsakaling and Langchenphu under Samdrup Trashigang have started producing commercial 3. Sr. Agriculture Supervisor, Agriculture Jongkhar and, Tsakaling under and Research Development Sub-Khangma, oyster mushroom spawn. Currently, the Trashigang ” 9 10 good return from the urka bangala sale. In the following year, ARDC Wengkhar Besides, its short shelf-life makes it less began developing solar dryer with Farmers Move economical for transporting to other fund support from CARLEP-IFAD. The markets. Considering all these factors innovative technology was developed and the special value its holds over inside greenhouses incorporating solar Towards other spices, the Dzongkhag identified operated exhaust fans. To cut short the the variety as one of the commodities process, a parallel on station trial Local Enterprise for enterprise development in 2015. and on-farm research began first in Bumdeling with the chili Intervention through IFAD Funded growers’ groups. With technical A Case of Value Chain Intervention in Local Chilli, Urka Bangala Projects and the Implementors assistance from ARDC Wengkhar 1 2 Lhap Dorji and Kuenzang Peldon Earlier in 2013, the existing post-harvest and IFPP, Lingmethang, the electric drying technology developed growers were provided with hands- by the National Post on training on the development of Harvest Centre was the solar dryers followed promoted through by the establishment. the previous IFAD Furthermore, exchange funded project, visits to the center Market Access, aimed at studying the and Growth prototype and further Intensification discussion on solar Project (MAGIP) dryer development to address were organized by the above issues. By Dzongkhag. By the year 2019, a total of 41 2018, a total of three solar driers have been dryers have been established installed at Yangtse in Bumdeling. and Bumdeling gewogs Urka Bangala Group in the process of making pickle for the same purpose. While Capacity Development of the Urka the use of the dryers have been Growers he Urka Bangala, the local chili Wominang in Bumdeling gewog. effective in drying the chili, its design Initially, a group comprising of 17 variety, is one of the popularly Most commonly, the urka chili growers tailored for small scale household level members from Wongminang village known things in Trashiyangtse T are engaged in drying surplus chili drying was not appropriate, especially was trained on seed selection and besides Dapa, the traditional wooden under the sun to reduce the post- during the peak season. Therefore, cultivation improvement practices. bowls and the Black-necked Cranes. It harvest losses. However, the farmers the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector Simultaneously, the ARDC has carried has a shape almost like capsicum and are often challenged with erratic rainfall in collaboration with the Agriculture out ex-situ seed conservation of Urka slightly more pungent in taste but not and temperature. As most of the farmers Research and Development Centre at the center. The group was also as spicy as other chilies which makes bring their chili to the market at the (ARDC) Wengkhar, started a focused trained on value addition processing it pleasant to the palate. It is bigger same time, farmers could hardly get a intervention program in 2016. of Urka chili with technical assistance and mostly grown in the villages of 11 12 from the Integrated Food Processing compared to dried chili and fresh chili Currently, the growers markets their set up a small scale agro-processing unit Plant (IFPP) at Lingmethang, and fund selling. For instance, a total of 20 pickles in the local market and the with the fund support from the project to support from Commercial Agriculture kilograms of fresh Urka can fetch up to One Geog One Product (OGOP) outlet boost more farmers, especially female and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Nu. 1600 to 2000 during peak season in Thimphu at a Nu. 220 per 550 entrepreneurship. With the set up put in grammes jar of pickle. The group has earned more than Nu 0.4 million selling place, the growers will not only expand pickles in 2019. their cultivation following improved Trial marketing with OGOP enabled the management practices but will also group to double their income through begin to diversify post-harvest product value addition. Therefore the group and value added processing– fresh is looking into product diversification chili during the initial period of harvest through pickling of other vegetable followed by pickling and drying. generate additional income. Further, the Dzongkhag and the Regional 1. Program Director, Agriculture and Agriculture Marketing and Cooperative Research Development Center, Wengkhar, Office (RAMCO, Mongar) will intervene Mongar in marketing and expand their small 2. Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer, farm business particularly benefiting Trashi Yangtse women farmers to become local Drying of Urka chili inside the greenhouse solar dryer entrepreneurs. Programme (CARLEP)-IFAD. With the in the local market but when the same necessary training acquired, the group quantity is pickled, it can fetch Nu. The value chain produced about 46 MT of Urka in 2018, 8000. Depending on the quality, a intervention by the of which most were processed through kilogram of dried Urka fetches up to Dzongkhag Agriculture drying and pickling. With fund support Nu. 1400 to 2000. Moreover, eight to sector and the ARDC from CARLEP – IFAD, the Dzongkhag ten kilograms of a fresh chili can make Wengkhar has helped has expanded interventions through up to one kilogram upon drying. the group in curbing challenges like price training and group formation of Urka The growers’ groups trained in pickling decline during peak growers to another three communities. focused on expanding their production, season and post-harvest The technical skills in processing were improving packaging and labeling. losses. further expanded to others through the Coinciding with the 111th National Day Lead Farmer Approach. The members Celebrations, the Dzongkhag and the Prospect for the who were trained in the first batch growers launched the first batch of Farmers extended their training to two other Urka Bangla Pickle as a brand product This value chain groups. of the Dzongkhag. About 1500 bottles intervention at various Pickling of Urka Chili Over Drying are targeted for the market and the stages has enabled and Fresh Chili for Sale product is expected to expand up to farmers to expand their 4000 bottles and more depending on chili productions. Further, Pickling has higher advantages the market linkages. the Dzongkhag plans to 13 14 Post Harvest Processing and Value he gradual transformation production or dairy production and of farming in Bhutan from poultry production are some of the Addition begins To Develop Farm Tsubsistence level to semi- major production enterprises promoted commercial and commercial-scale by the MoAF, post-harvest processing P R O C E S D Based Micro-Enterprises leads to surpluses at the household and value addition can also be a source O C E S D 1 2 3 level but not as sufficient enough of initiating agro-based enterprises Kinley Wangmo , Pema Lhaden and Lhap Dorji to be marketed. The farm produces suitable for specific target groups once harvested goes through various including producers (farmers) and non changes in color, flavor, and texture producers such as youths, hoteliers, that can result in post-harvest losses. informal and formal women groups in While this may be insignificant but urban and peri-urban centers. considering the small scale farming for Further, one of the challenges faced the majority of our farmers, these losses by the producers has to do with the if prevented through value addition can management of the surplus produces have significant benefits. and ugly produces. As a consequence, With the initiation of the Integrated Food some of the farms produce quite Processing Plant (IFPP) under the often go to waste and some of this National Post Harvest Centre (NPHC) waste has to do with appearance,

t s at Paro,DoA MoAF in the eastern region overproduction, improper storage, less

u c namely IFPP Lingmethang, Mongar, market outreach, and disease. As an

d and Shumar, Pemagatshel, National immediate alternative to address the o

r Post Harvest Center and the Agriculture wastage of the produces, post-harvest Research and Development Centre at processing and value addition has d P Wengkhar (ARDC Wengkhar) began been initiated and adopted by some of

d e the collaborative program on product the producers and entrepreneurs in the diversification through processing and country. value addition to surplus crops, and u e A

l Processing and Value Addition

a some targeted crops having low value,

V and short shelf life. Besides, it explored Some of the common crops such as the opportunities for processing and pumpkin, carrots and cassava do not Processed & enterprise promotion. have much value in their natural state. However, they can have the potentials Farming enterprise promotion is one for higher value through processing of the key strategies of 12th FYP with and value addition. For instance, a major development indicator on “Processed foods can be incorporated Processing techniques for cassava, the number of enterprises developed such as milling and grinding turn it into during the plan period. While farming flour, after which it can be made into into a healthy and balanced diet” enterprises at production level such bread, cookies, pasta, and other edible as commercial fruit and vegetable products. Pumpkin, carrot and cassava 15 16 could have a better and higher value as and student clubs supported through the eastern region namely; Home produces. powder or cookies than its natural state. various supports such as SDF, NPHC, Processed Farm Products with Yoezer Although a large number of farmers Likewise, unripe or poor quality fruits MoAF, READ Bhutan, GoI, Queen’s Home Stay, Thidangbi Mongar, have been trained in the process of that do not meet the quality Project, RAMCO, CARLEP, Bimkhar and Wominang, Bumdelling developing the products, there are standard for DoFPs, SFED, etc. A Urka Pickling groups in Trashiyangtse only a few people who have taken fresh fruits in the total of 710 people through which a new product “Urka up the actual processing and product market can be were trained, of Pickle” was launched during the 111th development due to a lack of initial which 509 are National day (17th December 2018) investments. Therefore, CARLEP processed into female and 201 and Nutri food products, Mongar with a – IFAD / MoAF’s allocation of funds jams, candies, are male. group of youths who established a full- to Dzongkhags and RAMCO, rolls, and so on. In the FY2015-2016 Mongar for promotion of To capitalize on to 2018-2019, a total of agro-processing and value the availability of several some 78 different processed addition as enterprises is an farms produces that can be value- products – mainly cookies, opportunity that can bring added, the IFPP at Lingmethang candies, pasta, noodles, capacity development into practice for already trained From Low Value Produce to High Value Products individuals, groups and any new aspiring entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the IFPP and ARDC Wengkhar will continue Farmers and youth engaged in hands on training on pro-research and innovations in cessing and product development product development, but shall also give more priority to time local cookies production unit and providing technical assistance to the Dzongkhags and RAMCO so that Raw materials Processing Diversified Products sale. Since 2015 to date, 78 numbers of products have been developed with agro-processing and value addition can be promoted as an opportunity and ARDC Wengkhar with fund fund support from various agencies/ marmalades, crackers, powders, to increase the value of crop, income, support from CARLEP – IFAD/MoAF projects including CARLEP-IFAD. and so on have been developed and promote local products and contribute began conducting tests and trials on These established enterprises market skills were imparted through training to establishing micro-enterprises and developing processed products and their products to local retailers and programs. attract credit investments. expansion with potential entrepreneurs the One Geog One Product ( OGOP) Based on these products and some 1. National Post Harvest Center/MoAF, mainly through organizing hands-on shops at Thimphu. In a year, Yoezer Lingmethang, Mongar training for interested target groups. of the previously existing products Home Stay makes a gross income of 2. Agriculture and research Development A total of 30 training was provided such as pickles and Jams, the IFPP Nu 650,000, Wominang dried Urka chili Center Wengkhar, Mongar 3. Agriculture and research Development to various target groups such as in collaboration with ARDC, Regional and pickling group in Yangtse makes Center Wengkhar, Mongar individual farm entrepreneurs, lead Agriculture Marketing and Cooperative Nu. 800,000, and Nutrifood products farmers, women groups, unemployed Office ( RAMCO), and Dzongkhags youth group makes Nu. 500,000 from women, hoteliers, nuns, teachers, have so far set up 3 enterprises in the sale of cookies and packaged farm This article has been published in Sanam Drupdrey . 17 18 Onion Curing Shed: A Method Of Domkhar Villagers In Creating an Ingredient for a Culinary ubsistence farming was a common method of agricultural farming in Delicacy Domkhar, one of the remote villages under Tsaenkhar Gewog, lying 44 KM 1 2 3 Singye Dorji and Pema lhaden and Chhimi Lhamo Saway from the proper Lhuentse with 44 HHs. The farmers residing in the village cultivated vegetables only for their consumption and surplus were either stored or fed to the domestic livestock. Due to the poor access to market and post-harvest losses, growing commercial onion or other vegetables was not their priority despite having a good opportunity for income generation from commercial onion cultivation.

“We are contented with the income we make from onion cultivation during the winter season on our wetland which is otherwise

Onion Curing Shed in Domkhar left idle after paddy harvest ” -Domkharpas 19 20 In the meantime, onion cultivation marketed at Nu. 40 to 50 per kg and was gaining popularity in some areas the rest 65% were left unsold as it did including in the neighboring village of not meet the quality standard for the Table 1: Annual total production and income (exclusive of the cost of production) Year Area Production Quantity Total Income Cultivated (Kg) sold (Nu) (Acre) (Kg) 2016-17 3.6 3400 1200 54,000 Accordingly, each member received As a result, the group could only support for the construction of the produce 960 kg of onions. Although 2017-18 4.5 960 960 57,600 onion curing shed with a capacity of there was a decrease in the production, three metric tonnes, on cost-sharing the income earned from the sale of the 2018-19 7.5 7050 7050 211,500 modality with material support from onions were comparatively higher than CARLEP and technical support the previous. As there were no losses Budur under Minjey Geog with financial market onion. Besides, the growers from NPHC (National Post Harvest and marketable quality onion was support from CARLEP-IFAD through faced marketing issues with no proper Centre), Paro. The materials such as maintained inside the curing shed, the ARDC Wengkhar. access to a road. From the sale, the CGI sheets, cement, and nails were group was able to sell all their onions group was able to make an annual supported with financial aid from at a good price, thus earning a higher Taking into consideration the success income of Nu.54000 only. Henceforth, CARLEP-IFAD, whereas the labor and income than the previous year despite of the Budur village and the escalating the group felt the necessity to have wooden materials for construction of the minimal production. On account of demand for onion in the country, proper onion curing shed constructed the shed were contributed by the group this, farmers cultivated more onions especially within the regions, the for the production of quality onion with members. in the FY 2018-2019 and were able to Gewog agriculture sector came up minimal damages and losses. produce seven times more the quantity with the initiative to promote onion From Seed to Market produced in the previous year (see in cultivation in the village. The idea was Benefits of Onion curing shed table 1) In January, onion seeds are raised in discussed with the farmers and the nursery beds and then transplanted Domkhar onion group comprising 24 Onions cure best in a shaded, dry, Due to the lucrative opportunities and in march. In mid-June, onions are members which include 7 males and 17 and cool place. Further, curing onions available markets, the cultivation of harvested from the field and stored in females solely for onion cultivation was tightens and dries out the outer onion onion is slowly but steadily gaining curing shed for the complete curing formed to take up the activities. skins forming a papery protective momentum in Tshenkhar gewog. With wrapping around the bulb. Thus, for at least two to three weeks or until the rising demand for local onion within At the initial stage, onion seeds prevents the onions from perishing. the necks are completely dried and the the vicinity including schools, the were supplied to boost the group for It takes several weeks to a month outer skin is slightly crisp for the market. growers have shown more enthusiasm the cultivation. The farmers were depending on the humidity level to have to expand the area for commercial Production and Income Generation also assisted with timely technical a correct texture and quality of onions. onion cultivation. backstopping and monitor. Due to the quality produces, the people In FY 2017-2018, the group expanded can make a good income when the 1 & 2. Agriculture Extension Supervisor, its production to 4.5 acres of land. Tsenkhar Geog, Lhuentse In FY2016-2017, the group produced onions are cured properly and sold in However, the group produced only about 3400 kg of onions, of which 3. Gender and Knowledge Management the markets. about 28% of onion produced in the only 35% of the total produces were Officer, CARLEP previous year due to poor germination. 21 22 Phuntshothang Farmers Take Up Winter Chili sustainable agricultural production previous year due to the increase in Production to Reduce Dependency on Imported Chilli program is the intensification and the price rate. Moreover, farmers have expansion of vegetable production Tenzin Dema1 and Chhimi Lhamo2 earned a good return from the chili by strengthening existing vegetable business this year. smallholder farmers and alleviate rural producers’ groups and promoting and Outreach to Markets poverty. capacitating new groups, the gewog Most of these farmers’ produces are The farmers from different villages extension officer has capacitated 21 market-linked to schools through under Phuntshothang communally new households covering 6HHs from the school linking programme and worked together and raised chili Minjigang and 15 HHs from Solmothang some are sold in the local market nursery in Mrs. Changa Lhamo’s field, on chili cultivation and were provided in Tshangchuthama, and Samdrup a member of Agurung vegetable group, hybrid seeds and mulching plastics Jongkhar town individually. and contributed equal workforce with fund support from CARLEP-IFAD. Chili Growers of Phuntshothang Gewog which includes watering, weeding and Despite the supports provided and With the Department of Agriculture’s composting. Upon the germination awareness delivered on good returns initiation for the winter chili program of seeds to seedlings, the group from the sale of organic chili and in aiming to “Meet the demand for chili during offseason and to substitute the import of Indian chilies which are often “ ladened with the residue of pesticides”, Given the demand a total of 30 households from for local chillies, Phuntshothang gewog geared up for the cultivation of organic winter chili in more farmers will their 3.1 acres of landholdings covering begin cultivating on 14 HHs from Khameythang, 7HHs from Agurung, 8HHs from Samdrupcholing a commercial scale. and 1HHs from Phuntshothang in FY 2017-18. equally divided the seedlings among 1. Agriculture Extension Supervisor, To boost the initiation, CARLEP- consumer’s health while aiming for Phuntshothang gewog,” themselves and transplanted at the IFAD supported the farmers with import substitution, few members 2. . GKMO, OPM, CARLEP individual’s landholdings for more vegetable seeds, flexible pipes, drip refused to continue, leaving a total of production and coverage of land under irrigation supplies, vermicompost, 41 HHs for the chili cultivation to date. cultivation. In the following year, FY and mulching plastics under the 2018 -19, the group in total produced In FY2019-20, the land under winter market-led sustainable agricultural 1.691MT of chili which fetched them chili cultivation increased from 3.1 production program. This intervention Nu. 253,650. to 4 acres belonging to 41 HHs and is aimed at increasing the returns to produced 1.530 MT of chili which is smallholder farmers through climate- As one of the project’s three outputs slightly lower compared to the previous resilient production of crops, thereby envisaged to increase market-led year, however, the produce fetched sustainably increase the income of farm production under the market-led Nu. 281,000, which is higher than the Farmers collectively involved 23 24 in harvest TheThe agriculture agriculture sectorsector plays plays an from Balam gewog, Mongar, and animportant important role rolein the in Bhutanese the Business the trader, Mr. Neten Dorji. In the Bhutaneseeconomy. economy. It is perceived It is that Business to following year, three vegetable perceivedincreased agricultural that increased output and groups were linked with the agriculturalproductivity output tend to and contribute trader. substantially to the overall productivity tend to Linkages: Linking During the B2B meeting, economic development of the contribute substantially formal contract agreement country, therefore, greater to the overall economic between the producer and emphasis on the further development of the country, to the Market the trader is formed with the development of the agricultural Farmers assistance from RAMCO and therefore, greatersector emphasis is vital. Karma Tshering1 and Chhimi Lhamo1 2 Karma Tshering & the gewog agriculture sector. on the further development Chhimi Lhamo2 of the agriculturalThe ARDC sector Wengkhar is Business to Contract agreement involves in collaboration with the an agreement between the vital. Dzongkhag agriculture sector producer and the buyer on terms The ARDCreinforces Wengkhar market-focused in and conditions for the production collaborationproduction with the clusters, Dzongkhag and Linkages: and marketing of farm products agricultureup-scaling sector reinforces into promoting including farm gate price to market-focusedcommercial and production market-driven be paid, quality and quantity clusters,farming and and up-scaling contribute into towards Farmers demanded, and delivery dates. promoting commercial and achieving self-sufficiency. A win-win solution market-drivenHowever, increasing farming productionand contributeis towards often challenged achieving withself- With the contract agreement, sufficiency. However,marketing increasing issues. several benefits for the producer production is often challenged and the buyer has been The business to business (B2B) with marketing issues. identified. The key benefits for linkage, a platform of bringing the producers are increasing Thetogether business the to producer business and (B2B) the income through access to linkage,traders a platform while addressing of bringing the assured markets, fair pricing, togetherconstraints the producer and gaps and through the access to improved inputs, tradersinnovative while solutionsaddressing to improvethe and technology among others. constraintsbusiness and forgaps the through successful More importantly, the contract innovativevegetable solutions value chain to improve has been agreement has enabled the businessinitiated byfor Regionalthe successful Agricultural producer to obtain these benefits vegetableMarketing value& Cooperatives chain has beenOffice while not having to worry initiated(RAMOC by ).Regional In March Agricultural 2018, B2B about the transportation of the Marketinglinkage was & Cooperativespiloted involving Office two produces to markets. Similarly, (RAMOCvegetable ). In Marchproduction 2018, groups B2B the key benefits for the traders linkage(Singye was and piloted Bakaphai involving groups) two are securing a stable supply of vegetable production groups the desired quantity with (Singye and Bakaphai groups) 25 26 quality production on an agreed price initiated a similar linkage between the The contract agreement on fixed farm Domkhar vegetable production group gate prices ensures a win-win situation consisting of 24 members (women 18 for both the producers and the traders. & male 6) under Tshenkhar Gewog, Dairy CARLEP support through RAMCO, the Lhuentse Dzongkhag and the trader, producers were provided training on Pema Loday. At present, the group various vegetable production practices annually produces about 34 MT of and methods such as post-harvest vegetables and are sold to the trader management for quality productions who then markets to nearby towns. beside the agricultural inputs such as To ensure the substantial agricultural seeds, greenhouse, sprinklers, and production with the assured market, drip irrigation. Likewise, the traders RAMCO in collaboration with the are also supported with crates and Dzongkhag Agriculture sector will packaging materials to maintain continue to identify the potential traders harmony in the vegetable value chain. and link them with the producers for Through this program, the two FGs friendly agreement contributing to the Value produced about 5.53 MT of vegetables development of vegetable value chain. including green chilli, cabbage, To date, two traders have been cauliflower, carrot, radish, beans, identified by the RAMCO and are eggplant and potato amongst other linked to the six vegetable groups leafy greens, and vegetables. The through the B2B linkage. The RAMCO produces worth of Nu. 76,300 were plans to form a trader association in sold to the trader in FY2018-19. In FY the future as a countermeasure for 2019-20, together, about 26.6MT of solving marketing problems. vegetables was produced by seven 1. Assistant Marketing Officer, RAMCO, groups and were sold to the trader, Mongar 2.GKMO, OPM, CARLEP schools and other markets. Replicating the B2B Linkages Chain RAMCO through close observation and feedback from the farmers found that such a pilot program and initiative have aided farmers group in solving the marketing problem. With fund support from CARLEP, RAMCO 27 28 ver the past decades, Bhutan the group was reformed and were has made considerable supported with the construction of Yangtse Dairy Group Oprogress in dairy development. the current milk processing unit with However the dairy value chain is fund support from GOI and AMEPP. Profits through Value grappled with marketing challenges Although the group started selling for fresh milk. Therefore, CARLEP- milk and dairy products, the progress Addition and Product IFAD aims to support smallholder dairy of the group remained stagnant and farmers and integrate them into the inactive. To instigate farmers into dairy Diversification dairy value chain in order to facilitate development in the region, farmers Sangay Chedak 1 , product diversification, marketing and were sensitized and mobilized on LPO, Trashiyangtse and promotion of climate smart approaches re-group formation with fund support in livestock production. In this regard, from CARLEP-IFAD and Dzongkhag Chhimi Lhamo 2 ,GKMO the expansion and intensification of Development Grant (DDG) in 2018. dairy production in the six eastern Since then, the group constituting 20 dzongkhags is being supported to boost members including 8 females and 12 and strengthen dairy value chain in the males has been collectively operating east. Likewise, the project emphasizes and managing the MPU to meet the the formation of farmer groups to increasing demand for milk and milk facilitate joint decision making, shared products in the Dzongkhag. investments to scale- up group production, processing and marketing, and share responsibility for the functioning of the organization. A dairy group, Sonam Gonor Detshen was re-mobilized to take up the milk processing plant at Yangtse gewog under Trashiyangtse in 2018. The group was initially formed in 2003, however, remained inefficient. Later in 2008, 29 30 Supports Rendered To The hygienic dairy shed and milk collection mprovement of utritional alue Group center cum dairy sales outlet at I N V : Doksum and subsidiary support for the As capacity development of the farmers Fodder Conservation, Storage and purchase of dairy cows have greatly is of paramount importance to achieve contributed to achieving quality milk and progress, the group members were Feeding using Crop Residue increasing milk production. Moreover, trained on group sensitization and Cheda, LPO, Mongar the establishment of a yogurt plant mobilization, ivestock farming is one of the with rich carbohydrates. The stover funded by the Project clean milk main income sources among and straw from these crops can be in collaboration production and Bhutanese farmers. Cattle are chopped and ensiled to produce silage with DDG in 2018 has L use of crop raised for dairy products, pigs for meat when green fodder is abundant, and enabled the group to residues as and poultry for eggs to meet the cash can be fed when the fodder resources diversify its products for fodder, handling and family consumption needs. On are scanty during the dry seasons. income generation. and packaging average, every farmer raises at least In Bhutan, the crop residue such as of products, and From Milk to 2-3 numbers of domestic animals in wheat, oat, mustard and buckwheat on the overall Diversified Dairy their household. Therefore, the demand straw, rice hay, maize and millet stover management of Products to Income for sufficient animal feed is on the rise. are utilized as a cattle feed. However, dairy farms with Generation As a immediate action to address it is mostly untreated and fed directly rising demand for feed and to curb fund support from At present, the group to the cattle. The untreated crop fodder shortages especially during the CARLEP-IFAD. collects 400 to 500 liters of residue has low nutrient value with low lean seasons, CARLEP-IFAD provide Further, the group milk per day from the dairy nitrogen content, low digestibility and materials for construction of silo-pit members were farmers in the Dzongkhag. low voluntary intake. Therefore, cattle mainly for fodder conservation and supported with the The milk collected is processed are either let loose to graze on natural promote use of crop residues. purchase of dairy equipment into diversified dairy products such as grass or fed with commercial feeds such as milk can, refrigerator, cream cheese, buttermilk, fresh milk, yogurt, which incur high cost. separator, butter churner, and product butter, clarified butter (ghee), hard SILAGE FROM DIFFERENT FORAGES display fridge. Besides, the group cheese, curd, and churned curd (lassi). Maize, oats, millet, buckwheat, and also received support for winter oat On average, the group earns a gross paddy are important fodder crops seeds and root slips for the fodder income of Nu. 290,000 per month. development in fallow land, marginal land, and communal land to address “In the current situation, the seasonal fluctuation in milk production dairy farmers inclusive of due to the unavailability of fodder, both dairy groups and non- particularly in winter. dairy groups share the joy of earning a fair price from CARLEP support in dairy production the sale of fresh milk.” inputs for dairy farmer groups in the region has helped significantly in 1. Livestock Production Officer, Trashiyangtse propelling milk production. Production 2. Gender and Knowledge Management support such as the construction of officer, CARLEP 31 32 Conservation of crop residues of feed resources. Similarly, training has also motivated the farmers to adopt the promising Mongar Livestock Sector has conservation technologies to optimize the implemented the development of animal utilization of abundant crop residues. nutrition and fodder conservation in the Dzongkhag with fund support from Besides, the use of crop residues has aided CARLEP. A total of 59 HHs (19HHs from farmers in substituting the purchase of Balam, 25HHs from Ngatsang, 5HHs concentrated feeds thereby reducing cost of from Mongar, and 10HHs from Thangrong expenditure on the feed. Concurrently, use gewog) were supported with materials of crop residue has enabled dairy farmers to for construction of improved dairy sheds earn Nu. 6000 per month on average due to along with silo-pit mainly for fodder increase milk production. conservation. Likewise, the farmers were facilitated with purchase and supply of chopping machine for producing high quality forage for profitable milk and livestock production, on cost-sharing modality where the group contributes 20 % while the CARLEP contributes 80% of the total cost (20:80). A total of 44 HHs have received chaff cutter and, prepared and conserved 834.3 MT of silage (maize stover, rice straw, green fodder grass), showing 39.05% increase from 600 MT in FY2017-18 to 834.3 MT in FY2018- 19. Capacity development Through demonstration or full-time training to curb acute shortage of fodder, a total of 292 farmers (Male: 130, Female: 162) from the Dzongkhag were trained on the use of crop residues and fodder Silage making is gaining popularity among conservation with fund support from CARLEP-IFAD. The training has helped the dairy farmers due to its multiple benefits from farmers in getting insights on the use of crop residues and enhanced the nutrient essential nutrient content and quality forage to feed costs content (protein) and digestibility with higher intake and year round availability reduction and harvest losses.

33 34 Orong Gewog Towards Achieving Self Sufficiency in increasing trend in milk production Milk Production with incremental income generation. With six dairy groups, Orong gewog Yeshi Wangpo1 and Chhimi Lhamo2 now produces the highest fresh to a formation of several milk in Samdrup Jongkhar district. dairy groups across the gewog, thereby Currently, the group is supplying initiating a transform fresh milk to Bhutan Cooperative dairy from subsistence (BCOOP) shop in Samdrup Jongkhar, to commercial the local market at Dewathang, dairy farming. and some in neighboring India.

Realizing the potential Today, dairy farming has become the of dairy to earn important component for smallholder Milk chiller steady income and farmers and are gaining popularity its contribution to milk production, farm record keeping, within the dzongkhag. The farmers human nutrition, winter fodder crop demonstration, who showed least interested in dairy food sufficiency training on the use of crop residues farming have now started fodder Dairy farming is an integral part of and food security, and feed and fodder. The farmers’ cultivation in fallow and marginal land small-holder farming systems. Dairy 292 HHs have stepped in and formed exposure visit has been also organized with the project’s supports in planting products not only provide rich proteins dairy groups. A total of six dairy groups by the Dzongkhag livestock sector to materials, pasture seeds and barbed but also provides a reliable means were formed including 109 HHs from help farmers learn from each other wire to initiate dairy commercialization . to decent income generation for Orong, 64HHs from Jangchubling, 21 through observation and interaction. many smallholder farmers. However, HHs from Nagzor-Batshung, 20HHs With the increasing demand for the Orong farmers had given undue from Morong, 22 HHs from Mencheri Besides these training, the farmers dairy products, the farmers will attention to dairy over the past decades. and 56HHs from Wooling to focus are facilitated with subsidized purchase only work harder for higher The farmers here made an earning on commercial dairy production. of crossbred cows and through the production, enhance from the sale of oranges, ginger and provision of construction material food security, attain maize in spite of higher opportunities The dairy group in Orong gewog for building improved cattle sheds self-sufficiency and to earn from dairy. This was due to lack was formed to supply milk with along with silo-pits to achieve and reduce dependency of access to proper road and assured good quality, to encourage farmers meet the demand of milk supply at on imports while market for dairy products. Because of into group mobilization, to generate Samdrup Jongkhar and beyond. enhancing local the construction of a farm road which income and employment for the production. connects the gewog to the highway enhancement of the rural livelihoods. Access to these avenues has enabled during the 11th FYP (2013-2018), the farmers to produce higher milk the farmers has taken great interest Since the project intervention in 2016, from 200 liters per day to 1500 liters towards commercial dairy farming. the dairy farmers has received training per day fetching them a gross income -Agriculture Extension Likewise, CARLEP-IFAD support to on a wide range of activities including but up to Nu.1.8 million per month. In few Supervisor III, Orong Gewog, Samdrup dairy value chain development has led not limited to livestock husbandry, clean years, orong gewog has witnessed Jongkhar and GKMO, OPM 35 36 Climate Resilient

Farming

Practices

37 38 and rainfall on agriculture, and provide cost hardware platforms such as timely irrigation, and derive maximum Raspberry PI, Arduino, ESP8266, and crop out of every drop. ESP32 Micro-controller unit (MCU) boards. The local weather data can ARDC-Wengkhar has started to be fed to these controllers through the develop an automated or SMART Wunderground website, which controls irrigation system using open-source the amount of water applied to the software and hardware solutions since crop based on the weather parameters 2016 with initial fund support from the preset in the program by the users. European Union – GCCA Project – The system can be accessed from any MoAF. The programme was continued smartphones and personal computer with fund support from the CARLEP in (PC) through open-source software the later period. and mobile applications such as Sustainable Irrigation Program (SIP), The hardware controllers are based Open Sprinkler. These free software on open-source firmware and low- Automated Irrigation System : Innovation in Agriculture Irrigation System using Open Source ICT Technology and expansion Dr. Tshering Penjor, Lhap Dorji, Galey Namgay, Dorji Wangmo, Pema Thinley, Tashi Wangdi and Pempa Lhamo

hutan is rich in freshwater useful solution in this regard. resources. However, the impact of climate change on water and The automated micro-irrigation system B refers to the operation of the irrigation rapid urbanization has reduced the availability and accessibility of clean system (drip and sprinkler) with water resources. Further, a lack of minimum human interventions. Every appropriate irrigation technologies and irrigation system can be automated related infrastructure also makes it using electronic appliances and inaccessible to harness water resources detectors such as a timer, sensor, for agricultural use even during the computer, and mechanical devices. times of abundant water. Therefore, The use of such technology on the field an efficient water management system can ensure proper irrigation, thereby through the use of proper technology increase crop yields, save water, is required for sustainable uses of a energy, and labor costs as compared precious resource, especially in the to manual systems. Moreover, the Agriculture sector. Thus, an automated automation of the irrigation process micro-irrigation system provides a aims to address the scarcity of water 39 40 Table 1: Some of the expansion of the system.

the labor cost for installation also Irrigation Established Dzongkhang Site Area (Acre) Cultivated Crop Fund support depends upon the geological System Year Drip and CARLEP-IFAD and Owner on Cost condition of the field. If the field Mongar Khalangzi 2018 5 Mixed Orchard Sprinkler System sharing bases is located on the rocky, sloppy, and undulated terrain, the labor CARLEP-IFAD and Owner on Cost cost of installation will be higher Mongar Jangdung Drip System 2019 5 Mixed Orchard sharing bases compared to the field in the plain area. In general, the cost- Chimipang: Agriculture effectiveness of the system Wangduephodrang Development Training Drip System 2019 30 Mixed Orchard Royal Project Center (ADTC) increases with the increase of Indigenous areas under irrigation. This is Thimphu Tashichhozong Garden ProjectDrip System 2019 5 Rhododendron and Royal Project mainly because no investment is Oak tree Species 4 required for additional automation National Seed Centre Greenhouses vegetable nursery Trashiyangtse Drip System 2019 CARLEP- IFAD and mobile applications enable users devices as one device can control (NSC), 10m X 5m production size to control and monitor irrigation system irrigation over larger areas. Solving Water Management Problems water to School, RNR office, Geog virtually from anywhere, however, it The estimated cost of establishing Office, and 70 other rural households. requires Internet connection. It has using Automated Irrigation System automated sprinkler irrigation in one The community has been facilitated been tested and demonstrated in acre is about Nu 380,000. This cost Until recently, access to water has been with the electric pump which requires different locations in Bhutan and is is derived from the actual expenditure the biggest challenge for communities manual work of switching the pump on found to be economical and has the incurred for establishing an automated living in Kengkhar gewog, Mongar. and off for the daily supply of water. potential to upscale commercial farms sprinkler irrigation system in 10 acres The two pumps located about 9 km Although the community has accessed through water-efficient irrigation and pineapple plantation for youth contract downstream were constructed to supply conservation. farming at Marpheng, under Trashigang Like any other technology, an Dzongkhag. Sprinkler cost is double automated irrigation system comes than that of automated drip irrigation. with a cost depending on the type This difference is due to the use of of irrigation setup - drip or sprinkler different material types, sizes, and the system. On average, the overall cost of labor cost for installation. In general, establishing automated drip irrigation in the sprinkler irrigation system requires one acre of the citrus orchard is about a larger volume of water to operate Nu 185,000. The cost may apply to compared to the drip system, hence it other fruit crops. However, the cost will needs bigger distribution pipelines and largely differ for closely planted crops fittings which are more expensive than such as vegetables. About 80% of smaller ones. the total cost incurred for the purchase ARDC Wengkhar have developed and of materials and about 20% on labor tested the technology, and has now cost for installation of drip lines and started to promote in the fields. setting up of automation. Moreover, 41 42 to drinking water, finding a caretaker Advantages of ICT in Agriculture who would take in charge of timely Bimkhar Villagers Adopt switching the pump on and off has been Agriculture plays an important role a great challenge. in Bhutan. About 57% of the total population depends on agriculture for Greenhouse Solar Dryer Technology The Agriculture Research and livelihood. Yet, agriculture remains Development Center Wengkhar one of the least attractive sectors due to Produce Quality Chili extended the idea of an automated to critical challenges such as labor Dawa Dema, Pema Lhaden and Kinley Wangmo irrigation system to solve water shortage, human-wildlife conflict, and management problems. The two inadequacy of irrigation water among pumps are now automated and can others. Therefore, the use of ICT has the be run on a scheduled basis and potential to make agriculture substantial remotely switched on and off through and better off. Further, support in the use mobile applications with the technical of ICT in agricultural farming could also assistance from ARDC-Wengkhar. This open up agri-business opportunities for set up helped the Geog administration a large number of youths graduating for water supply services to the public with an IT background in the country. most effectively and efficiently. Thus, the use of ICT in agriculture needs to be promoted and supported Similar installations were also at every level to make agriculture supported for Mongar Municipal water prestigious, productive, and profitable supply system to address similar water thereby leading to the transformation of management problems in Mongar farming. Town. At the east of Yangtse RNR Extension is a major cash crop for the community. -Agriculture Research and Development Center Centre, Trashi Yangtse lies Bimkhar Besides, the farmers also cultivate (This article has been published in Sanam Drupdrey) village consisting of 65 households. paddy and millet as a staple crop for The farmers in this village enjoy basic their consumption, and rear livestock amenities like good access to the farm like cattle and poultry for sustaining road, markets, electricity, educational livelihoods. facilities, and other developmental Bimkhar farmers grow chili as a major activities. Numerous farmers’ groups crop, producing high surplus during the such as the Vegetable Farmers’ Group, season. Some farmers sell the fresh Bimkhar Urka Bangala Group (Chili produce right after harvest, while some Farmers’ Group), and Gonor Gongphel sundry the chili in an open space. As Doetshen (Dairy Farmers’ Group) has the rate of return from the sale of fresh been mobilized in the community, with chili is comparatively less than the dried support from Royal Government of chili, drying chili is common practice in Bhutan (RGoB) and donor assisted Bimkhar village. projects. The people of Bimkhar grow a variety of vegetables, of which Urka chili Traditional and Modern Drying exhaust fans, solar panels, and when compared to the electric dryer using Low-Cost Technology accessories were provided through (difference of 3 days), the number of Yangtse Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector days in comparison to sun drying is Traditionally, fresh chilies are with fund support from CARLEP – IFAD. reduced by 50% (15 days sun-drying preserved by drying them immediately Since the establishment, Bimkhar to 7 days in greenhouse solar dryer). after harvest under the sun without Urka Bangala Group has dried around Further, a greenhouse solar dryer any special treatment. In traditional 2,600 kgs of red chilies using the solar is also found to be cheaper than an drying, the chilies are spread out in Wengkhar, under the Department greenhouse dryer. electric dryer. The greenhouse solar the sun on hard dry ground or rooftop. of Agriculture (DoA) has designed The chilies are frequently turned to a solar greenhouse dryer, as one of Table 2: Total cost for greenhouse solar dryer (5 m x 20 m) with concrete maintain uniform coloring and drying. the avenues of reducing post-harvest floor fund losses and low quality of dried products Depending upon the weather, sun Rate Amoun Activities Quantity Unit Source drying of chilies takes longer days associated with traditional open sun- (Nu) t (Nu) drying methods. The exhaust fan often leading to huge post-harvest Greenhouse with metal frames 1 Set 97000 97000 CARLEP IFAD loss. Therefore, some farmers opted to which operates using solar energy is use electric dryers supported through integrated into the solar greenhouse Battery 70-80amph (Car Battery) 1 No 6500 6500 CARLEP IFAD Post Harvest Support Programs for the dryer to enhance moisture removal. Solar panel 50W 2 No 3500 7000 Provided with the technical assistance same purpose. Although the electric MCB 6 AMP 1 No 195 195 CARLEP IFAD dryers seemed promising and effective from the Government, solar dryers comparatively, however, the limitations appear increasingly to be attractive DP box 1 No 330 330 CARLEP IFAD of space and high energy consumption among the Bimkhar’s Farmers. Solar charge controller (10amph) 1 No 595 595 CARLEP IFAD challenged the farmers to take it any further. Installation of Solar Dryer Exhaust fan (DC), 12 V 2 No 2600 5200 CARLEP IFAD To address such issues, CARLEP- Of the three groups in Bimkhar, Urka Copper cable (2 sq.mm) 35 Meter 16.8 589 CARLEP IFAD IFAD funded the Agriculture Research Bangala group comprising of 26 and Development Centre (ARDC) women members adopted the model in Insulation tape 1 No 12 12 CARLEP IFAD November 2018 with technical support Wengkhar, under the Department of Labour cost 10 man-day 600 6000 Beneficiary Agriculture (DoA) for a study visit at the from ARDC Wengkhar in collaboration Cement 22 Bags 375 8250 Beneficiary University of Silpakorn, Thailand. After with Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag Nail (1inch&2inch) 3 Kg 85 255 Beneficiary the visits, the Agriculture Research Agriculture sector. The model was TOTAL 131,926 and Development Centre (ARDC) built on a cost-sharing basis in which The Impact of Using farmers contributed construction Greenhouse Solar Dryer dryer provides more space than electric materials for shelves, labor for land drier which makes it convenient for preparation, local materials such as Farmers’ reported that the use of the farmers to dry a large quantity of chili sand and gravels, poles and fixing of solar dryer is more convenient and at a time. On comparison, an electric shelves while greenhouse (a set of better than other alternatives like an dryer can fit up to 17 kg to 20 kg, solar dryers with a dimension of 5m x electric dryer. Although the difference whereas greenhouse solar dryers can 20m cost approximately Nu. 131,926), in the number of days taken to dry fit up to 650 kg to 700kg. Besides, it small quantity of chili is insignificant 45 46 can be also used for other purposes Replication of the Greenhouse AWASHING FARMERS BENEFIT FROM when not used for drying. Solar Dryer FALLOW LAND REVERSION, IRRIGATION At a recovery rate of 66% (1 kg fresh = In FY 2018-2019, the ARDC Wengkhar AND CROP PROTECTION FACILITIES 0.66 kg dried as studied in on-station in collaboration with Dzongkhag and 1 2 and on-farm trials conducted by ARDC gewog agriculture extension centers Karma Chophel and Chhimi Lhamo Wengkhar), Urka chili in dried form can has replicated a total of five greenhouse fetch a high price of about Nu 925 per solar dryers in different locations with kg in the local market as compared to fund support from the CARLEP – IFAD Nu. 70 to 80 per kg as fresh chili. Dried / MoAF. The number of solar dryers chili can even fetch up to Nu. 1000 to installed includes one at Yangtse 1200 per kg if taken to markets like geog and two at Bummdeling geog Thimphu. in Tashiyangtse Dzongkhag, one at The returns in chili can be enhanced Chokhorling geog under Pemagatshel significantly through drying for which Dzongkhag and one at Kangpara dryer – both electrical as well as under Tashigang Dzongkhag and has greenhouse solar dryer can benefit benefitted a total of 76 households chili growers. A farmer drying about (25 households from Yangtse gewog, 250 to 300 Kg fresh chili will be able to 12 households from Bumdeling, 11 break even investments in establishing households from Chokhorling and greenhouse solar dryer in one growing 28 households from Kangpara in season which can further enable Trashigang). promotion and adoption of greenhouse As this technology proves to be cost- solar dryer technology. effective and beneficial for farmers, the ARDC Wengkhar anticipates for more collaborative work with the Dzongkhags Downsides of Greenhouse to promote this technology to some Solar Dryer more villages based on a cost-sharing mechanism in the coming financial year. Although the adoption of this technology is found to be advantageous to open drying and electric dyer, the erratic power supply during cloudy and rainy 1. Extension Supervisor, Yangtse days remains a prime challenge for running exhaust fan inside greenhouse 2. Agriculture Research and solar dryer. However, this issue can Development Center Wengkhar be addressed by using an automatic 3. National Post Harvest Center, switch that can connect to an electric Lingmithang power line to increase its efficiency. 47 48 espite the potential agricultural distribution networks and storage Table 1. Early chilly production and income earned in Three Fiscal years productivity in the areas, 6 tanks reaching every household. Production Year Production (Kg) Amount (Nu) acres of land in Awashing, The pipeline is about 4.5KM which D 2017-18 3,878 245,826 under Chimoong gewog, Pemagatshel distributes water from the reservoir Dzongkhag remained fallow for tank to 6 acres of land belonging to 20 2018-19 2,700 296,180 ages due to the existing water and households. 2019-20 1,800 180,000 labor shortage, and depredation of wildlife. Therefore the gewog Since the intervention, the farmers covering 3 acres of total land, each from the village are being sold in administration advocated the need have started growing early chili under household covering 17 decimals. In Nganglam, Trashigang, and Mongar. of a program to revert fallow land protected cultivations to meet their 2018, the farmers harvested 2082 kg through provisioning farmers with household as well as market demands of watermelon which fetch them Nu. The farmers shared that irrigation and crop protection facilities. during the offseason. 83,280.00. Whereas in FY2019-20, “ A total of 20 households came forward they could only sell 1700 Kg at 45/Kg dryland irrigation is a boon Despite the availability of water and unanimously agreed to initiate which fetch them Nu. 76,500. Similarly, to the many villagers as they for irrigation, the community has winter chili and other agricultural crop onion is also being cultivated in the can now cultivate various experienced a decrease in the total cultivation on the fallow land. developed land for selling and self- vegetables and crops on their chili production this FY2019-20. One consumption. In FY 2018-19, 5035kg fields which are otherwise left of the pressing issues facing farmers In 2016, the beneficiaries cleared of bulb onion were produced and sold fallow and reap the benefits is dealing with erratic rainfall, and the fallow land. The gewog power at Nu 20/Kg amounting to Nu.100,700. from increased yields. tiller was deployed for 1-2 days for temperature variation affecting the -Agriculture Extension Supervisor,” the excavation works. Department total production. Market Outreach Chimoong gewog, Pemagatshel and of agriculture supported low-cost Currently, there are 18 HHs who G&KMO, OPM, CARLEP polyhouse, HDPE pipe 50 mm (to Despite the challenges posed by are actively engaged in commercial distribute water from the source to the climate change, the farmers continue to chili cultivation. The community field), sintex water tank, drip irrigation thrive and work harder for agricultural has also started cultivating diverse supplies, and shade nets. Despite the production and sell in various markets agriculture crops and fruits with input supports rendered, the villagers were to generate income. The produces support from CARLEP-IFAD through still struggled with water shortage ARDC Wengkhar. The farmers has problem due to insufficient distribution initiated the cultivation of watermelon of water pipe lines reaching the fields.

In FY 2017-2018, CARLEP supported the community worth of Nu. 0.3M with the purchase of construction materials

for a reservoir tank and HDPE pipe Onion Harvested Onion

20mm (to distribute water from the Harvested Onion

Watermelon cultivation cultivation Watermelon Watermelon

tank to the field). The community Chili Harvested Chili members pitched in with their labor Harvested Chili contribution. The dry land irrigation system was piped irrigation with well 49 50 absence of a reliable source of irrigation, other farmers in the village. In the past, the community depended mostly on irrigation was mainly canal irrigation rainfall, which over time became erratic and confined to sourcing of water from making the situation worse. the source to the community and thus, distribution and utilization aspects were “The village receives barely 41 days of not considered. This scheme would rainfall in a year and thus remains dry hardly suffice the drinking purpose, let throughout the year”, village leader, Mr. alone irrigate a garden. Lhuendup recalls. “We were unable to produce vegetables In March to June 2019, Agriculture for ourselves due to water shortage, Research and Development Centre so, we traveled to other villages in Tapping Spring Water For Wengkhar in consultation with exchange for pinewood for vegetables”, dzongkhag and gewog administration says Wangdi. Dry Land Irrigation – A and with financial support from In this regard, CARLEP-IFAD has CARLEP-IFAD worked together to supported the current irrigation scheme Climate Resilient Strategy design, construct and implement a with the proper distribution network system to harvest spring water for and an effective utilization plan have dry land irrigation on a cost-sharing been considered in such a way that To Address Water Shortage modality. The total cost of 10 KM each community member has the water garpongtang chiwogs water supply from the source to the under Thangrong storage tank to store sufficient water community, including the cost of cement for irrigation and advocate the use of Gewog is one of and pipe provided for distribution, was 1 2 3 N efficient irrigation system depending on Chungku, Sonam Gyeltshen , Lhap Dorji , the six pilot climate-smart Nu. 3.18M, Of which 0.73 Million was 4 5 the farming system followed. Jigme Namgyel and Jigme Dorji villages (CSV) being contributed by community members adopted for the promotion in the form of labor. The water supply Like the other farmers in the village, of climate-smart agriculture line consists of 63 mm and 50 mm farmer Wangdi has started maintaining production technologies HDPE pipe buried underground from a kitchen garden covering a minimum of under CARLEP, funded source to the main reservoir tank 0.03 acres ever since the construction by International Fund for located above the community and of the dryland irrigation. Similarly, Agriculture Development currently discharges about 1.13 liters Lhuendup, 42, expresses that sufficient (IFAD). The village has 47 of water per second. The break-up of access to water supply has enabled households (15 female- the total cost indicates that the project the farmers to diversify their income headed households) with contributed about 77% of the cost while sources. The availability of the water has about 149.5 acres of the beneficiary contributions stand at boosted the farmers to maintain kitchen cultivated land area. 23%. Overwhelmingly, the beneficiary gardens in addition to rearing cattle. Despite the agro-climatic contribution has resulted in an overall “Today, we have one water storage tank condition that offers huge cost saving of Nu. 2.82 Million. and sprinkler each for irrigation. We can distribute water equally in our field and potential for enhanced crop Availability of sufficient water production, Ngarpongtang maintain our vegetables at the right enabled farmers to produce temperature with the use of sprinklers”. farmers have been vegetables challenged with an acute “We can grow varieties vegetables shortage of water for Wangdi, 54, is one of the farmers without worrying about the shortage ages, both for drinking and residing in the village. He has been also of water, which we couldn’t before,” he irrigation purposes. In the challenged with water shortage like any added. 51 52 It is the first time, that the farmers here have started growing vegetables and produced a surplus vegetable for sale. “ Community Seed Production Group Together, the farmers have harvested a surplus of about 0.825MT of vegetables and these produces were sold at the for Upland Paddy local market. The community earned about Nu. 7000 from the vegetable sale – Towards sustaining seed production, alone. In the meanwhile, the farmers await potato harvest and will be sold at enhancing food security and developing the local market at a fair price” Chungku says. community resilience to climate change With sufficient water, the farmers now Many other villages in Bhutan Impacts have a plan to expand their cultivation face similar challenges of area for commercial vegetables to add persistent water scarcity on the income from the sale of home coupled with climate change- processed butter and cheese and eggs induced risks such as erratic Passang Wangmo1,Tshetrim Gyeltshen2, Tshering Choden3 & Tashi aside off-farm activities. “I would make rainfall, extreme weather, and Wangdi4 an earning of Nu. 3000 per month on rising temperatures. Despite average from selling cheese, butter, the country’s mountainous and eggs”, Wangdi says. “With sufficient topography, the ARDC and water at a household level, I have CARLEP joint work was plans to cultivate variety vegetables able to successfully identify in my kitchen garden and establish and implement appropriate fruit orchards to diversify my income technologies to address sources” he adds. issues in Ngarpongtang. Likewise, the joint work of the implementing agencies will continue to extend supports and assistance in carrying out similar interventions to address water scarcity problems to help farmers achieve sustainable water security and boost them towards commercialization.

53 54 ice has occupied a prominent availability of quality seeds. However, Supports for Agricultural Inputs collaboration between ARDC Wengkhar place as a strategic crop for food a consistent supply of seed through and Market: Food Security & Cash and the National Seed Centre. In Rsecurity in Bhutan. Although the research outreach program will Income Generation the meanwhile, the Pangkharps are Bhutanese people are one of the highest remain skeptical and unsustainable encouraged to grow more. consumers of rice in the world, yet our in the long run. Therefore, ARDC A pair of paddle thresher was also current self-sufficiency rate remains Wengkhar and the Khoma Geog provided to the group along with Conclusion: In the light of Climate less than 50%. Therefore, the Royal Agriculture Extension Centre have foundation seeds from the center with Change Government of Bhutan has initiated jointly initiated a Community Based support from the CARLEP – IFAD. The various interventions such as spring Seed Production Program (CBSP) in CBSP Pangkhar in 2018 produced a Climate change is projected to have rice cultivation, reversion of fallow land Pangkhar at an altitude of 2215 – 2233 total of 6.05 MT of Wengkhar Kambja a negative impact on the smallholder for paddy cultivation, promotion of high masl, under Khoma gewog, Lhuentse I seed initiating the seed production. farmers and hinder poverty reduction yielding varieties, and revival of upland to ensure sustainability in the seed These seeds are currently sold to other and improvement of food security for paddy to contribute towards enhancing production for upland varieties. A total farmers and the center which uses the the rural population. The changing rice self-sufficiency at the household of 18 households (12 female & 6 male) seed to initiate similar outreach in other rainfall patterns and delayed monsoon level. Simultaneously, agricultural crop began an on-farm trial of some seven villages. rains will lead to long spells of drought diversification such as paddy is also different varieties in 2015 and reduced water security, further such as Zangthi I and II, “This is not the end, the best is yet to increasing farmers’ vulnerability. Machapucharey, Lumang come”, Dawa Dema, one of the members Therefore, the initiation of seed Local, Chandanath I and of the community added with a smile on production group for upland paddy can III and Khangma Maap. her face catching hold of the yellow Nu. contribute to ensuring the sustained 1000 notes she received from the sale. supply of seeds through informal A participatory varietal community systems for rice varieties selection by the community As the community progress into larger that require less water to cultivate selected Wengkhar production, the group will be linked to the thereby contributing to climate change Kambja I, (then it was National Seed Centre as Registered Seed impact mitigation and continue ensuring called Machapuchery) Growers through the self –sufficiency of rice at the household introduced from Nepal level. mainly considering their criteria such as grain color The upland paddy research outreach and size, ease in threshing, program and the establishment of CBSP suitability in high altitude, Pangkhar are led by the Field Crops Rice Program under ARDC Wengkhar being promoted by CARLEP-IFAD to more numbers of tillers, long panicles in collaboration with the Dzongkhag develop climate-resilient livelihoods. and good taste. The Machapucharey was introduced in 1996 and released and Gewog Agriculture sectors. The Upland paddy – growing rice in dryland in 2017 as WengkharKambja I. Since program was initially supported in other mostly rain-fed is an opportunity the initiation, the community started sites through the fund supports from to contribute to household rice self growing the variety individually. In early MAGIP – IFAD / MoAF (Market Access sufficiency especially for farmers in the March of 2018, the community formed and Growth Intensification Project). higher elevations (> 1800 masl). Over a group for seed production. The Currently, CARLEP-IFAD provide the years, upland paddy cultivation group began cultivating in 7.5 acres of support to enhance the capacity of the started in 2004 through the research dryland every year and harvests a total seed growers in new sites and aid in outreach programme in the six eastern yield of approximately 6 MT thereby purchasing field equipment. Dzongkhags is gaining popularity increasing the rice self-sufficiency of -Agriculture Research and Development in the region. The center attributes the community by 75%. Center Wengkhar the popularity gain to the consistent Republished from Sanam Drupdrey 55 56 worth Nu. 0.5 M was constructed with the also showed a significant increase in project’s support, while the beneficiary vegetable production (Figure 1). provided labor contribution. The water Wangringmo Farmers Benefit Table 1. The acreage of land utilization was tapped using HDPE pipe 32 mm and the intervention from from the water source to the reservoir before after tank. The irrigation is a piped line Area (Acre) Crop irrigation with well-distributed networks Before After Water Efficient Irrigation using HDPE pipe 32 mm reaching out to Paddy 90 95 every individual household. Currently, Bean 1.2 2 -Karma Tobgay the irrigation scheme serves as the Eggplant 0.3 0.7 main source for drinking and irrigation Cabbage 0.6 0.8 purposes. Spinach 0.4 0.5 Potato 1.5 3 Impact of water efficient Mango 1 1.7 irrigation Chilli 19 21 Watermelon 1.1 2 After the irrigation was constructed, the Total 115 127 extension agent carried out the socio- economic survey using an interview “There was scarcely adequate water often anticipated for seasonal rainfall to The result also showed a significant questionnaire and crop cut for production to drink, let alone irrigate the field irrigate all arable lands sufficiently. increase in the production of food crops analysis. According to the survey, the for the 40% of the total 280HHs that attributing to the constant and adequate Until 2015, the spring water that ran through area under cultivation increased from constitutes Wangringmo village supply of irrigation water during the the village hardly sufficed drinking and for 115 acres to 127 acres which is an under Ramjar gewog, Trashiyangtse. cropping season. Further, the production irrigation. In FY2016-17, the CARLEP- increase by 10%. Similarly, the paddy There certainly wasn’t enough of watermelon increased by 50% while IFAD identified and assessed that the cultivation increased by 5 acres while water to irrigate mass cultivation of potato increased by 2.6% (Fig 1). community’s lack of access to water has a the chili by 2 acres (Table 1). The result vegetables other than small quantity negative impact on the smallholder farmers’ vegetables for family consumption”, income, and the need to have water- says Karma, Ramjar extension efficient irrigation was felt important as supervisor. one of the basic amenities in communities Water was a scarce resource in like Wangringmo. Therefore, CARLEP- these areas. A water source, Jigtang IFAD provided support for the construction Bangbong which is 2 KM away from of a water-efficient irrigation system which the current reservoir tank, is the aided the farmers in reverting fallow land only reliable source of water for the for sustainable agriculture production farmers here. Owing to the inadequate and strengthening of the vegetable value irrigation water, most of the land was chain. either partially cultivated or left fallow. The concrete reservoir tank with a capacity Farmers depended on small stream of 5000 liters of water and a small tank that ran through the village and most Figure 1. Production per acre after the irrigation facilities 57 58 The highest increase in income was The result attributed the increase in generated from the sale of early chili with income to the implementation of the a net income increase of Nu.525,000 fallow land reversion with access to and the least income of Nu.12,000 from adequate irrigation water. Besides, the mango (Table 2). However, the many new houses, shops, sawmills, income increase in terms of percentage and agriculture tools fabrication unit Institutional was higher from Mango (240%) and has emerged as a result of available lower from chili (26%). The average drinking water. annual income for the household has -Extension Supervisor, Ramjar gewog, increased from Nu.8470 to Nu. 12,519 Support: (43%). Trashi Yangtse

Table 2: Income generation before and after the intervention for each commodity Women, Youth

Income Generation Increased Crop (Nu) (Nu) and Lead Before After Bean 105,000 210,000 1,05,000 Eggplant 34,500 87,500 53,000 Cabbage 45,000 70,000 25,000 Farmers Spinach 16,800 22,000 52,00 Potato 135,900 279,000 143,100 Mango 5,000 17,000 12,000 Chilli 1,995,000 2,520,000 525,000 Watermelon 110,000 300,000 190,000 Total 2447200 3505500 948100

59 60 Introduction agricultural methods. Agricultural farming is a source of Therefore, the ‘Lead Farmer Model’ Success Stories livelihood for more than 56.2% of was adopted under CARLEP-IFAD, the population in Bhutan with the as an approach to enhance extension majority of farmers still depending on service delivery through farmer-to- of subsistence farming. An agriculture farmer extension and to extend new extension service is provided through agricultural technologies to rural Lead Farmers the National Agriculture Extension communities. The key role of lead System operating through Dzongkhag farmers after completing training is to - Compiled by: and Gewog Extension Centres. disseminate agriculture technologies to Agriculture Research and Compounded by rugged terrain, others, fellow farmers. Development Center Wengkhar scattered settlement, and limited resources, outreaching the services The lead farmer model was first of one extension staff in the Gewog initiated during HRDP, JICA in 2014 at supporting the extension activities ARDC Wengkhar, and was adopted by is challenging. The effectiveness of CARLEP since its inception in 2016. service delivery and dissemination of ARDC Wengkhar has trained 88 lead technology has been one of the main farmers from 2016 to 2019. concerns. And also smallholder farmers Graph 1 below shows Dzongkhag wise have inadequate opportunities to learn numbers of Lead Farmers from 2016 to about new technologies and improved 2020.

61 62 Ex-Principle turns into Lead Farmer A Female Farmer Leads the Community into Modern acquired during the training. He also Farming began raising more than 500 nos. of avocado seedlings, which would fetch Despite being illiterate, Pema Lhadon, Nu. 250 per seedling within this year. a 37-year-old, a group member of a vegetable group from Peytsangbi His farm has become an exemplary under Tsakaling gewog, Mongar did not model and has encouraged other stop learning new farming practices. farmers to adopt modern farming Today, she is one of the female lead technologies. He has voluntarily farmers who have participated in trained other farmers on fruit orchard the lead farmer training program at management through pruning, training, ARDC Wengkhar in FY 2017-2018. and thinning. He will continue to support Pema has established a mixed fruit other farmers by sharing his knowledge orchard of Pear and Persimmon. Her acquired during the training. model farm serves as an outreach and awa Yoezer, a 48-year old Dawa shared how his training has demonstration orchard to encourage retired principal from Jangdung helped him earn higher income through others to take up similar farming. a means for income generation and modern farming practices. In the past, under Saling gewog, Mongar Since the training, she has actively earning a good income from the sale D he earned comparatively earned less became a lead farmer after completing extended her service and trained at the local market. In FY2019-20, than Nu. 10,000 in a year from farming. the lead farmer training program at 132 farmers (102 female and 30 she earned an income of Nu.1,41,000 At present, with the training he received, ARDC Wengkhar in FY 2017-2018. Male) from Tormashong, Paytsangbi, from the sale of vegetables such as his income has been multiplied up to The training has not only imparted the Takhambi and Ngyertsi in vegetable cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chili, Nu. 86,200 a year. skills and knowledge of modern farming cultivation, orchard establishment and radish, mustard green, potato, carrot, technologies but also presented the Table 1: shows the income statement. orchard management along with Geog coriander, spring onion, and beans. opportunities to diversify the Quantity Price Extension Officer. Since her orchard is newly established, income source. Total Commodity sold per Kg she hopes in a few years she will be income(Nu) At present, Pema Lhaden is more Currently, Dawa Yoezer is one (Kg) (Nu) focused on vegetable cultivation as able to make a good income from her of the active and exemplary lead Mushroom 200kg 250/- 50,000/- orchard as well. farmers with a diverse income Avocado 100kg 250/- 25,000/- Table 2 shows the income earned under source. He is into integrated Ginger 200kg 50/- 10,000/- Commodity Quantity sold Price (Nu.) per Kg Total income(Nu farming growing vegetables and Cabbage 120kg 10/- 1,200/- Cabbage 1000kg 30 30,000 mixed fruit crops in his model Cauliflower 85kg 30/- 2,550/- Cauliflower 200kg 100 20,000 farm. He has generated a steady Total Income 86,200/- Broccoli 200kg 100 20,000 income from the sale of vegetables Chili 200kg 50 10,000 and fruits. Radish 500kg 20 10,000 Mustard Green 300 bundles 15 4,500 His income has been supplemented Potato 1000kg 20 20,000 through mushroom cultivation, which Carrot 150kg 50 7,500 he began with the skills and knowledge Coriander 100 bundles 20 2,000 Garlic Leaves 100kg 20 2,000 63 Beans 300kg 50 15,000 64 Total Income 1,41,000 A Retired Civil Servant Immerse into A Progressive Farmers of Chongti Adopts Modern Modern Farming Farm Technologies The seeds from mother plants Mr. Jigme Rinzin, 43, from Chongti are being used in his nursery to village under Orong Gewog, Samdrup raise avocado saplings. In FY Jongkhar is one of the progressive 2019-20, Jamtsho raised about farmers who has completed the 2500 saplings and sold around lead farmer training program in the 300 saplings at the rate of Nu. FY2017-18. Since then, he has 250 per sapling to other farmers. made significant progress in orchard He has also planted around development, vegetable cultivation, 1000 numbers of pineapples in and dairy development, which has his field. His income is further become his prime source of income. supplemented through the sale He is also an active member of Orong of chili and cardamom. In 2019, Dairy Group. Jamtsho earned an income of about r. Jamtsho, a retired civil servant As a lead farmer, Jigme has been Nu.2,50,000 from his farm. from Labar Village, Khar Geog, sharing knowledge and skills on Pemagatshel is one of the lead Jamtsho has aided Gewog Agriculture grafting and planting of the fruit plants M Extension Officer for extension service to other interested farmers. His farm sprinklers to boost the production farmers trained at ARDC Wengkhar in the FY2018-2019. He has established delivery. He has extended his service to also serves as a model farm for the for fruit crops, paddy cultivation, and a mixed fruit orchard and vegetable 20 households for canopy management, demonstration of modern agricultural vegetables. Further, Jigme innovated cultivations to generate income. with more than 2500 citrus trees in technologies to other farmers. a self-modified version of the drip and Labar village. Similarly, he has extended sprinkler system, using HDPE pipes After the training, he has proactively He has cultivated varieties of his service to farmers of Bongman on and chocolate straw pipes. As a result, immersed into raising the fruit nursery vegetables and fruit crops which have orchard management. he has significantly reduced the unit for avocado plants with help from improved his family nutrition. His cost of drip and sprinkler systems ARDSC Lingmethang. Today, Jamtsho is looked upon as a orchard includes fruit crops such as installation. reputed farmer. He never hesitates to mango, avocado, mandarin orange He received supports to develop an advise and share his knowledge and and dragon fruits. He also cultivates After attending the training, Jigme has avocado mother block with mother skills to other farmers in an attempt to garlic, cardamom, and vegetables on diversified his income source through plants from the ARDSC Lingmethang. make a change in the farming system in the commercial scale. With the grafting the sale of vegetables, cardamom, his community. skills acquired from the training, he fruit tree sapling, and mandarin. has successfully grafted hundreds of However, dairy farming remains his Table 3 shows the income generated under different commodities mango and avocado saplings and has main source of income to date, with Commodity Quantity sold Price Rate/unit (Nu) Total Income (Nu) sold to other farmers. an annual income of Nu. 1,40,000. Jigme has reported an increase in his Chili 100kg 100 10,000 Jigme availed agriculture loan of Nu. household income from Nu.1,07,630 to Avocado seedlings 300 Nos. 250 75,000 0.1 million from Bhutan Development Nu.1,38,700 in 2019. He is expecting Avocado 50kg 300 15,000 Bank Limited to establish an efficient to earn more than Nu. 1,00,000 after Cardamom 300kg 500 1,50,000 irrigation system with drips and Total Income 2,50,000 2-3 years from his orchard. 65 66 An Entrepreneurial Spirit Leads Gayden Jamtsho A Women Lead Farmer Begins to into Agriculture Farming Lead Others cookies making and doughnut baking Karma Kinzang Wangmo, 35, from to 19 women. He also taught crop Woominang village under Bumdeling management practices like training and gewog, Trashiyangtse is one of the pruning of fruit trees to five farmers in his lead farmers who completed the lead village. He is paid Nu.215 per day for his farmer training at the ARDC Wengkhar services. As a lead farmer, he sees an in FY2017-2018. Despite the femininity, opportunity to extend his knowledge to karma single-handedly manages the more farmers and he expects to extend orchard and vegetable cultivation on an his farm infrastructure in the future. acre of land. Gayden says there has been a huge Currently, she is leading a group, difference in his production as well Woominang-Urka Chilli Farming Group ayden Jamtsho, 25, is a lead as income since the training. In the comprising of 16 female members and farmer and an active member past, he used to produce 1,000 kg of 1 male member. Apart from leading of Jallang Vegetable Group vegetables but now his production G the group, Karma helps other farmers from Jallang under Minjey gewog, has tripled. His income has drastically in nursery raising of vegetables and Lhuentse district. He has attended increased from Nu.20, 000 to Nu.132, chili processing in her region. She lead farmer training in FY 2016-17. His 900 with vegetable sales alone in 2019. has trained Bamdhir-Urka Chilli passion for agricultural farming and Likewise, he earned an income of Group comprising of 16 female and entrepreneurial spirit instigated him to Nu.48900 and Nu. 29400 from the sale of 3 male members and Bimkhar-Urka avail the lead farmer training at ARDC- 163 kgs of shiitake and 105Kg of oyster Chilli group comprising of 26 female Wengkhar. In the ensuing months, he mushroom respectively. For Gayden, members to date. Besides, Karma took up mixed fruit farming, vegetable mushroom production is turning out has also helped some 62 farmers from production and mushroom cultivation. to be a lucrative venture to livelihood the neighboring village to establish enhancement and encourages others The knowledge and practical skills low-cost greenhouse and mixed fruit to take up mushroom enterprise. gained during the training have orchard. immensely benefited him and his With his maiden effort and skills, Karma has increased her vegetable community at large. He has extended Gayden makes a total income of Nu. production from 1500 kilograms to and shared his knowledge with more 276,700 from the sale of agriculture more than 2200 kilograms since the than 40 people. He has trained 20 produce such as cole crops, potato, training and sold them at the local farmers from Minjey, Jallang and beans etc and livestock produce such as market. She has now turned from Lekshugang chiwogs on fruit (pear and milk,butter and cheese, and Mushroom subsistence to commercial farming citrus) crop management practices such as oyster and shiitake in a year. and has made significant earning from and greenhouse nursery raising of He attributes an increase in the income Nu. 8000 to Nu.180,000 a year. vegetables. Similarly, he has provided and livelihood enhancement to the Karma demonstrating pickling methods training on post-harvest management training he received at the center. to farmers including radish pickling, maize 67 68 A Lead Farmer Expands his Farm into Integrated Farming Integrated Agri-enterprise Dzongkhag agriculture sector has enabled Phurpa to increase vegetable start-ups: production from as low as 1500 kg to 10, 000 kg a year, thereby earning an income of Nu. 2,37,000 a year from The cases of vegetables alone. Similarly, he earns about Nu.100,000 from selling milk and Enterprise Development Nu. 16,500 by selling home processed Through butter and cheese. On average, he makes a gross income of Nu.3,50,000 Youth Engagement a year. hurpa, a 40-year-old from At present, Phurpa and his group Durchen Village, Yangtse is are one of the major suppliers of Lhap Dorji, Pema Yangdon, Sangay Jamtsho one of the first batches of lead vegetables and dairy products to two P ARDC Wengkhar farmers trained under CARLEP funding. schools in Yantse namely Bayling and He is a member of a vegetable group Langmadung schools. Unlike in the Karma Tshering, RAMCO Mongar called Sep Vegetable production and past, he has started producing sufficient marketing group. vegetables for the sale at his shop as Lungten, Khandro Wangchuk, and Choeda Jamtsho, RLDC, Kanglung Since the training, Phurpa embarked full well as for the two vegetable vendors at the Yangtse vegetable market. time into farming on 1.5 acres of land to Dorji Wangchuk, and Sangay Choda apply his training skills to grow various Phurpa has also encouraged and OPM , Wengkhar produces for local market at Yangtse. imparted his skills to other members He started integrated farming with of his group and neighbors. More vegetables, fruits, and dairy. Phurpa than thirty-four farmers reported cultivates varieties of vegetables such being benefited from his assistance. as cole crops, leafy vegetables, root To date, Phurpa has helped a total of In line with the development policies (RAMCO, Mongar), the Integrated crops and legumes. He replaced his sixty farmers in establishing low-cost and strategies supporting commercial Food Processing Plant at Lingmethang local cows with improved cattle breeds greenhouses and electric fencing in his farming and emphasis on youth in ( IFPP) and Dzongkhag Agriculture and with subsidy support from CARLEP to community. agriculture development in the 11th Livestock Sectors in the eastern region increase yield from the dairy. and 12th FYP, technical agencies began initiating youth engagement in Farming has turned out to be a profitable under MoAF namely Agriculture farming activities at semi-commercial Further, the linkage to markets such endeavor for Phurpa therefore, he plans Research and Development Centre and commercial scale to transform as schools, institution, hospitals etc , to expand his farm further in some nine at Wengkhar ( ARDC Wengkhar), farming from subsistence to commercial initiated by the Regional Agricultural acres of land over 6 years. He also Regional Agricultural Marketing scale with supports from several Marketing and Cooperatives anticipates planting walnut trees in the and Cooperative Office in Mongar development support programs. office(RAMCO)Mongar and the upcoming year for additional income. 69 70 The supports of the European integrated farming, crop intensification, A Former Civil Servant Becomes A Farmer Union – Rural Development through mushroom cultivation, agro-processing -The establishment of Yangdhen Horticulture Farm, Saling, Mongar Climate Change Response Program and value addition. Almost 30 % of (EU – RDCCRP / MoAF), Land Use youth startups are women. Some of Yeshi Wangchuk, 32 years old, a former Nu. 60,000 from selling watermelon, Certificate Programs, Dzongkhag these startups have also availed loans civil servant established a Yangdhen Nu. 20,000 from vegetables and Nu. Development Grant Supports and invested in their business. Horticulture Farm at Jangdung, Saling 40,000 from tegma (corn snacks). and mostly from the Commercial Mongar in 2016 soon after completing Today, Yeshi earns a total of Nu. To provide a diversity of enterprises, his Bachelor's degree. 160,000 per year from his farm. Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods cases covering individual entrepreneurs, Enhancement Program (CARLEP) mixed groups and women groups in Yeshi began putting his 4.8 acres Yangdhen farm is now a frequently were utilized aimed at generating the commercial farming through the ancestral land into commercial visited farm by government officials, complementary effect to enhance the different development support programs cultivation of mixed fruits; avocados, bank officials, youths and other farmers. effective utilization of resources and implemented by ARDC Wengkhar, DoA mangoes, bananas, passion fruits and At present, the ARDC Wengkhar and the promote commercialization. MoAF, RAMCO, Mongar, DAMC, MoAF dragon fruits. His orchard is integrated Mongar Dzongkhag agriculture sector Between 2010 till date, the ARDC and Dzongkhags in the region will with seasonal crops such as vegetables, organizes the farmers' exposure trip Wengkhar has been associated with be briefly presented to draw lessons watermelon, and cereal grains such as to his farm to instill some entrepreneur some 118 youths engaged in farming. and identify key areas of intervention maize and quinoa. His fruit trees were skills and learn from his experiences. A total of 33 youths in 10 different in developing agro- based established with his savings topped Moreover, Yeshi feels the frequent locations have set up business enterprises targeting up with seedling support and technical visitors to his farm has enabled him to start-ups focusing on youths. assistance from the ARDC Wengkhar work harder and also boosted his public and Mongar Dzongkhag Agriculture speaking and confidence. Therefore, sector. The center also supported he does not hesitate to welcome any setting up an automated drip irrigation visitors coming to his farm. system with funds from the CARLEP – IFAD support. Currently, Yeshi is planning to expand cultivation into a leased land nearby In 2018, Yeshi availed a loan of the existing farm. Nu.450,000 from the Dzongkhag PSL loan and Bank of Bhutan (BoBL), Mongar, to expand passion fruits, watermelon, quinoa and vegetable cultivation. After expanding the farm, Yangdhen farm has employed two full-time helpers and ten seasonal helpers. In 2019 alone, Yeshi earned Nu.40,000 from his first harvest of avocados and mangoes. Similarly, he earned Yeshi sharing his experiences with others at his farm 71 72 From Driving Taxi to Farming Passion for Farming Leads A Youth into Profitable -A personal journey of Jigme Wangchuk Venture -A lead farmer setting an example in Bartsham, Trashigang With increasing poultry manure on Driven by the his farm, Jigme personal interest approached and passion for ARDC Wengkhar farming, Jamyang

D a y O l d C h i c k s t and was Phuntsho left advised to go for school after composting and completing high diversify his farm school, 12 grade. with the protected He began farming cultivation of on his family vegetables. The land and later, he Jigme’s farm ARDC Wengkhar supported with joined the lead greenhouses and sintex tanks for Jigme Wangchuk, 33, from Drepong farmer training irrigation with funds from CARLEP-IFAD. Laptsa took up farming after leaving organized by the driving profession. Since the high Jigme earned an increased income from ARDC Wengkhar school completion, he stayed back at Nu. 3,05,000 in 2016 to Nu. 700,000 in with fund support home helping his parents farm their 2019 after diversifying his farm activities from the CARLEP land and later began driving taxi. into DOC Production, egg production, – IFAD. Through the training, he In 2019, vegetable cultivation and sale of poultry In 2016, Jigme took a loan of Nu. was supported and assisted with the Jamyang manure. 650,000 from the Business Opportunity establishment of an integrated farm through Information Centre (BOIC) and As the number of layer farm is increasing including fruits and vegetables. his roles established the Jigme Poultry Farm every year, Jigme saw an opportunity He now produces 23MT of vegetables, as youth focusing on the production of Day for an egg trays production enterprise. fruits, rice, and soybean from some in farming Old Chicks ( DOC ) with technical In 2019, Jigme began the work on egg 6 acres of ancestral land. Besides, availed an opportunity to visit Japan assistance and development supports tray production plant. He availed a he also produces around 140 kgs of under the Sherubtse College and Kyoto of the Mongar Dzongkhag Livestock priority sector lending (PSL) loan of Nu. dairy products on an average from his University Exchange Program which Sector. Later, he upscaled the farm 2.9 million and began the construction 10 local cows. His farm produces are helped him learn more on commercial- into egg production with 2000 birds of an egg tray production unit with the sold at the local market and the nearby scale farming and lessons of which are with the support of Mongar Dzongkhag capacity to produce 720 trays per hour School. currently practiced in managing his Livestock Sector. Today, Jigme poultry in the area at Trailing, Mongar. farm. farm sells egg to nearby markets and Currently, Jamyang is making about other dzongkhags. The farm now Nu. 770,000 a year from his farm and employs two full-time helpers of his he is planning to avail PSL loan to age. expand his cultivation.

73 74 Youths Take Up the Agro-Processing Enterprise is one of the successful entrepreneurs an average annual gross income of -A Case Of Mongar NutriFood Products earning a substantial amount from sales Nu. 2 million from the sale of diversified of post-harvest products, in particular, products. The group has net earning of Trade. It was established on from homemade cookies. of Nu. 400,000 – 500,000 a year which enables them to equally share the cost-sharing model, with The group was also trained on Nu. 11,000 – 13,000 per member per a Nu. 0.37 million loans bookkeeping, to ensure proper records month. from Rural Enterprise of inputs, production and sales data, Development Corporation and income earned and expenditure Impact On Community Limited (REDCL) as the incurred. The establishment of the Nutri Food Pvt beneficiary contribution Subsequent to the training, they took Ltd has helped both the proponent and and fund of Nu. 0.6 million a loan of Nu. 370,000 from the Rural farmers. It has created opportunities from CARLE-IFAD. Enterprise Development Corporation for self-employment for the youth Nutri Food Products has Ltd ( REDCL) which was topped up with a reliable income source while an agro-processing unit with the supports from CARLEP – creating a market for our farmers and established in Trailing, IFAD for the purchase of machines agri-enterprise like Green Hill farm Mongar with technical and equipment, and began producing from Chokhorling in Pemagatshel. supports from Regional local cookies with raw materials Nutri Food Products purchases more Agriculture Marketing (maize, cassava, wheat, millet, sweat than 1000 kgs of cassava flour, worth and Cooperative Office, buckwheat), and candies (from approximately Nu. 0.1 million from Mongar, in collaboration with carrot, peach, plum, and other fruits) Green Hill farm annually. Similarly, the Dzongkhag agriculture sector, purchased from other farmers in the Zhongar Gonor Detshen from Mongar Mongar Nutri Food Products is ARDC Wengkhar, IFPP-Lingmethang locality and other places. could sell 480 kg of butter and 900 formed through a partnership of three and BAFRA. It was supported in liters of fresh milk, wroth of Nu. 0.213 friends Cencho, Kezang and Kinlay. Markets and Income Generation line with the objective to develop million to Nutri Food Products in a year. They completed their bachelor’s agro-enterprise in the region with an Nutri Food Products markets its degree from India and began working The processing unit in its vision to emphasis on youth engagement. products in local markets and has expand and capture market share in various agencies right after the penetrated larger markets like Thimphu, Capacity Development plans to increase scale by putting up graduation , until 2017, when the Phuntsholing and Paro over the years. appropriate equipment and machinery. group approached ARDC Wengkhar Before the establishment of the agro- The unit has also established a market Though the investment cost would for assistance to begin commercial processing unit, the youth were trained link with some bigger sales outlet in be a hurdle for the group/unit, with its farming. The group was encouraged on processing and product development Thimphu like OGOP shop (One Gewog plan to establish markets for these to take up agro-processing and at Integrated Fruit Processing Plant One Product), Chuniding Food Pvt. Ltd products they hope that supports and value addition promoted by the (IFPP) under National Post Harvest and 8 Eleven shops. ARDC Wengkhar and the IFPP at Center in Lingmethang for a week. They their contribution would help them to Nutri Food Products has shown Lingmethang. were trained on making cookies, candy, fulfill their wish. In order to increase the remarkable progress over the year. jam and pickles from locally available outreach of their products, the group In September 2018, Nutri Food Today, Nutri Food Products sells 1800 materials. The youth had also spent a plans to market in high-end hotels and Products was established. It is packets of Cookies and 100 packets of week with Aum Sonam in Thridnagbee link with national airlines. licensed and registered as a small Candy on a monthly basis. They make cottage industry under the Department practicing cookies making. Aum Sonam 75 76 A Women-led Dairy Group in Mongar Tsendung Youths – A Case of Zhongar Nazhoen Gongphel Deytshen - Setting-up the first organic farm in Trashiyangtse

Zhongar Nazhoen Gongphel Deytshen marketed by the group. They markets, LUC Tsendung integrated farming mostly at the local market while some of is a group of seven young women who on monthly basis, around 3900 cups group was established in July 2018 with the products such as sweet buckwheat studied up to high school and secondary of yogurt, 1800 balls of local cheese, a total of eight members ( 4 men and converted to flour are market-linked school. The group with help of the 800 liters of skimmed milk, 500 liters of 4 women). The establishment of this to bigger shops in Thimphu by the Mongar Dzongkhag Livestock Sector fresh milk, 190 kg of butter, 150 liters of group was led by the Dzongkhag with Dzongkhag and RAMCO Mongar. with supports of the European Union curd, 150 kgs of paneer, and 13 liters supports from the Land Use Certificate Currently, the group earns about Nu. – Global Climate Change Alliance of whey. Program (LUC). The group is granted 480,000 a year and have also started 14.5 acres of land under user rights (EU – GCCA/MoAF) and CARLEP – Most of the produces are self-marketed a group saving fund to sustain their and establishment funds from the LUC IFAD / MoAF set up the first youth milk by the group at dairy sales outlet in farming enterprise. marketing group in Mongar in 2017. program. Mongar town, which was constructed The group plans to expand towards The group purchases about 400 to 500 by RAMCO, Mongar with fund support Technically assisted by stakeholders making the first Youth family organic litres of fresh milk daily from 4 dairy from CARLEP-IFAD. such as Dzongkhag Agriculture and farm in Yangtse. C h i l c u t v a o n s d e g r Livestock, ARDC Wengkhar and groups under Mongar Gewogs. The The group makes a net income of Nu. RAMCO Mongar, an integrated farming group has directly benefited 77 dairy 700,000 to 800,000 a year. farmers by ensuring constant demand enterprise began with the support of for fresh milk at reasonable price. The group is assisted by Mongar CARLEP – IFAD/MoAF. The group The local transporter collects the milk Dzongkhag Livestock Sector, RAMCO, now cultivates fruits – Asian Pear, from the farmers and transports to the Mongar and the Bhutan Agriculture and Shiitake mushroom, vegetables, sweet processing unit at Trailing, Mongar. Food Regulatory Author (BAFRA). buckwheat, asparagus and also rears poultry. At present, the group produces eight The establishment of the group has different dairy products. The fresh also enabled all dairy farmers within The farm products from this site are sold yogurt is the main produced and the region with the assured market for fresh milk. Through their services, the consumers now have access to fresh and processed livestock products which was not available in the past.

77 78 Youths of Thambrang Marpheng Youth Commercial Farm ( MYCF) -A way towards contract farming in Mongar – A case of market assured contractual organic farming by youths and kidney beans, in Marpheng Youth which an agreement is Commercial Farm was drawn with farmers to established in October grow the specified crops 2018 under a contractual on their land which will mode of farming between be purchased by the five youths, Bhutan group, processed and Agro Industries Limited packed for marketing. (BAIL), Trashigang This initiative has Dzongkhag, and MoAF enabled the group to under the Land Use diversify their business Certificate Program. as well as create market for the LUC Thambrang was established in MYCF was established farmers in the locality. In 2019, a total at a total cost of and the Dzongkhag agriculture sector, 2018 under the Land Use Certificate of 1.5 MT of Rajma beans and 2 MT Program (LUC) for youths through Nu. 11.054 million under multiple the youths have planted pine apple of sweet buckwheat were produced investments. The RGoB supported and chili, with additional crops such which 10 acres of land has been granted under contractual farming and were to the group of six youths from the for the land development, Irrigation as rajma beans, quinoa and other market-linked to the One Gewog One and farm road, while support to vegetables. locality. The LUC Programs supported Product Shop and few other retailers electric fencing, structures and inputs BAIL, Lingmethang, assures ready the establishment of the farm covering in Thimphu. LUC Thambrang is also for protected cultivation and crop market for pineapple and chili while land development, electric fencing, linked to Nagor School for vegetable intensification were provided on the other crops are sold at local markets, irrigation, housing and stipends for a supply under the School and Hospital cost sharing modality with fund support schools and Food Corporation of year. Feeding Program (SHFP). from CARLEP-IFAD and EU-RDCCRP Bhutan Limited (FCBL). Coordinated and led by the Mongar Between January to June 2020, the through ARDC Wengkhar. Likewise, the The youths expect the bountiful Dzongkhag Agriculture and Livestock group earned Nu. 105,000 from the BAIL contributed Nu. 1.500 million for sector with the technical assistance pineapple harvest by 2022 and earn a sale of Rajma bean, Nu. 50,000 from housing, electric fencing and interest net income of about Nu. 0.2M to Nu. of ARDC Wengkhar and RAMCO, sweet buckwheat, Nu. 708,000 from payments, and stipends, while the integrated farming composed of poultry, 0.3M per member annually. Till then, eggs and Nu.124,000 from vegetables. youths contributed loan money of Nu. the income from chili, beans, quinoa, vegetable cultivation, mushroom, 3.500 million from the PSL loan of Bank The group has the potentials for and other vegetables will enable them fruit nursery and asparagus has been of Bhutan. The group is also supported upscaling community-based organic to sustain a living. initiated with fund supports of CARLEP by the Guaranteed Employment farming of selected crops based on the To date, MYCF is the largest youth- – IFAD. Besides, the youths are yet to Scheme from the MoLHR. initiate apiculture. market demand apart from cultivating led commercial farm in the region, on their land, thus making them the first The farm was mainly established to Trashigang. To replicate similar farming, Currently, the group is in contractual youth-led contractual farming business grow organic pineapple and chili on ARDC Wengkhar will further continue to farming with some 60 households of in Mongar. 18 acres of land granted under Land explore opportunities for youths under Nagor and Pangthang, Silambi geog use right scheme. With technical the youth engagement and commercial for the cultivation of sweet buckwheat assistances from the ARDC Wengkhar farming Programs. 79 80 From Teaching to Dairy Enterprise Lessons – The Case of Sangay of Kencholing, Yangtse Way Forward Sangay Jamtsho, 32, took up a & dairy business to earn a living. in Right after the graduation, Youth engagement in farming he availed a total loan of Nu Youth engagement which youth lose patience 2.2M from the Rural Enterprise in farming should begin with a and interest. Youth engagement Development Cooperation proper business plan mainly aimed in farming should take advantage of Limited (REDCL) and Loden towards engagement in business and the technological developments and Foundation and went back to self-employment. These enterprises thus mechanization and use of ICT his village, Kencholling under should be built on commodities or tools in farming should be promoted to Khamdang gewog to establish activities that has a good market make farming easier and attractive for a dairy business. Unlike many or preferably through a marked youths. other youths, it was his dream to into the market. More than 500 liters linked production plan so that what A package of investments consisting start up a dairy farm back at his village of milk per day is collected from the is produced is traded off easily and of government supports through after graduation. group members and also from four brings immediate returns. development support programs other dairy group from Ramjar, Yallang, With the loan money, he purchased The sustainability of youth (grants), supplementary allowances Jamkhar and Tongshang. These milk six Holstein Friesians and another two engagement in agro-based through Guaranteed Employment are processed at the processing plant on subsidy. A small dairy farm was enterprises is determined by Schemes, consistent follow-ups, at Yangtse into some nine different established in his village Kencholing, consistent income generation and guidance, capacity development, dairy products including fresh milk and Trashiyangtse. With almost 60-70 liters thus, a startup of integrated farming exposures to new ways and options in sold through the market outlets and of milk per day generating about Nu. composed of both long term and farming and access to credit investment other shops. The group makes a total 0.700 million a year, his decision to short term return activities (short opportunities will enable entrepreneurs sales of Nu. 150,000 a month. take up dairy was proving to be right. and long gestation commodities) can to start up and ensure a gradual be an appropriate strategy. Once In 2018, with support from the To expand further, Sangay took transition towards sustainability and established, the entrepreneur could Dzongkhag Livestock sector, Sangay another opportunity in pullet production ownership of the enterprise whereby then narrow their focus into upscaling joined a farmers group in his village, to promote poultry in his community. initial start-ups supported with the into a long term enterprise. Consistent Sonam Gonor Dhetshen and was Today, Sangay`s wife Kuenzang Dema government is gradually taken over follow-ups, mentoring, guidance and assigned to led the group. The CARLEP- is managing the pullet production while by credit investments and income capacity development plays a major IFAD supported him for the purchase he focuses more on the dairy business. generation from the enterprise. role in youth engagement without of few additional cows, materials for Sangay and Kuenzang earn about Nu improved cow shed and equipments. By 20,000 a month from dairy and about 2019, Sangay and the group after their Nu.30, 000 a month from the pullet success in dairy farming, CARLEP- production and distribution. Sangay IFAD through the Dzongkhag helped and Kuenzang currently supply pullet Sangay to open a dairy product outlet required within the Dzongkhag. in Doksum, a satellite town from where the dairy products were launched 81 82 Milestone of IFAD’s Projects and Programme in Bhutan Since 1981

Punakha-Wangdi Valley Development Project Second Eastern Zone Agriculture Programme Budget: 2.6 million US$ Budget: 9.5 million US$ Beneficiaries: 3,500HHs Beneficiaries: 23,000HHs Area: Punakha and Wangdue Area: 6 eastern Dzongkhags CARLEP Focus: Improve agriculture and livestock Focus: creation of commodity-based FG’s, RUG’s, (2015-2025) production, extend rural credits, control soil erosion WUA’s, Construction of farm roads, support and village forestry, irrigation management services to extensions and rural credits and savings MAGIP 2011-2015 AMEPP Small Farm Development and Irrigation 2006-2012 Rehabilitation Project SEZAP Budget: 9.1 Million US$ 2000-2005 Market Access and Beneficiaries: 9,200HHs FEZAP Growth Intensification Area: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Wangdue 1992-1998 Project Focus: Agriculture intensification & improving PWVDP Budget: 13.5 million US$ infrastructures. 1989-1996 Beneficiaries: 5,290HHs Agriculture, Marketing and Area: 6 Eastern Enterprise promotion Programme TMAD Dzongkhags Budget: 13.9million US$ 1987 - 1992 Focus: improving Beneficiaries: 22,000HHs the productivity of Area: 6 Eastern Dzongkhags subsistence-based SFIDRP Focus: increasing the agricultural farming systems in 1981-1989 products, market infrastructures communities with no road development, construction and access and intensifying renovation of rural roads. the production and enhances smallholders’ access to markets in Tashigang and Mongar Area Development Project First Eastern Zone Agricultural project communities with road Budget: 4.8 million US$ Budget: 6.6 million US$ access. Beneficiaries: 7,340HHs Beneficiaries: 21, 730 HHs Area: Tashigang and Mongar Area: 6 eastern Dzongkhags Focus: introduced new farming technology, expanded Focus: develop renewable natural resources, extension services, improve credit deliveries. rehabilitation of irrigation, institutional support and capacity development.

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