From 3rd to 27th March, 2025 National Centre of Organic Agriculture (NCOA) , successfully conducted an intensive training program on organic broccoli and asparagus production across six western Dzongkhags. This initiative was strategically designed to bolster the cultivation and productivity of these high-value crops, which has been identified as priority commodities under the 13th FYP. Given the increasing demand for organic produce, this training aimed to equip farmers with advance knowledge, pest and disease control, and sustainable cultivation techniques. By, strengthening the capacity of local farmers, we aspire to enhance food security, and contribute to the long-term vision of organic agriculture in Bhutan. The objective of the training were to equip farmers with knowledge of Bhutan Organic Standards, ICS, and Farm Diary Maintenance, while providing practical training on the production of Organic Broccoli and Asparagus. The event was attended by 161 individuals, including farmers and local government officials from different gewogs across six western Dzongkhags.
The training was conducted for two days. The first day was dedicated to familiarizing participants with the Bhutan Organic Standard, the Internal Control System (ICS), and the detailed maintenance of farm diaries—fundamental prerequisites for securing Local Organic Assurance System (LOAS) certification. Furthermore, farmers underwent comprehensive training on the Bhutan Organic Guarantee System (BOGS), which explains the foundational principles governing organic production and certification in the country. Participants were also well-versed in the diverse organic registration and certification frameworks, including LOAS and third-party certification, while emphasizing the importance of keeping accurate and organized farm records.
On the second day of the training, both theoretical and practical sessions were conducted on organic asparagus and broccoli production. The practical session focused on transplanting asparagus crowns and seedlings, emphasizing trench depth and width, row-to-row and plant-to-plant spacing, proper planting techniques, and the ideal harvesting time. Additionally, farmers participated in a hands-on session on raising a broccoli nursery in the polytunnel, equipping them with the necessary skills to establish their own nurseries. This training provided them with practical knowledge to enhance their organic farming practices on broccoli and asparagus.
Key Outcomes
- Farmers gained comprehensive knowledge of Bhutan Organic Standards, Internal Control Systems (ICS), and farm diary maintenance, enabling them to meet the requirements for organic certification under the Local Organic Assurance System (LOAS) and the Bhutan Organic Guarantee System (BOGS).
- Participants acquired hands-on experience in organic broccoli and asparagus production, including nursery establishment, transplanting techniques, pest and disease management, and sustainable farming methods, strengthening their capacity for high-quality organic crop production.
- By equipping 161 farmers and local government officials with advanced organic farming skills, the training contributed to increasing organic vegetable production in Bhutan, supporting food security, and promoting the long-term vision of sustainable agriculture and commercial farming in line with the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP). Table 2 presents the status of Organic broccoli and asparagus production across six westen dzongkhags. A total of 59. 45 acre of land is dedicated to these crops, with a combined production of 45.03 MT. Broccoli is cultivated on 36.79 acres, yielding 28.52 MT, while asparagus cover 22.66 acres producing 16.51 MT with significant variations in production across different gewogs as shown in the table below.
Contributed by:
Dungzen Dema
Policy regulation and Coordination Program (PRCP)
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