13th May 2025, Thimphu: The National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), Yusipang, conducted an advocacy and awareness program for a day on organic agriculture to 40 peri-urban farmers from Bjimina village, under Mewang Gewog, Thimphu Dzongkhag. The program was funded through the depository work of the Department of Agriculture (DoA). The main objectives of the program were to: 1. Raise awareness about organic farming practices and benefits 2. Sensitize on the Bhutan Organic Standards 02: 2022, maintenance of farm diary and organic certification system 3) Advocacy on organic asparagus and broccoli production and 4) Build capacity among peri-urban farmers to adopt organic methods, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and healthy farming ecosystem. Bjimina village was strategically chosen in consultation with the Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer due to its proximity to the highway and easy access to the Thimphu city vegetable market. The village also cultivates different kinds of vegetables, making it a promising location for organic farming with good market potential.
During the session, several key topics and activities were implemented namely: 1) Introduction to Organic Farming, 2) Benefits and long-term advantages of adopting organic methods, 3) Technical presentations on an overview of Bhutan Organic Standard (BOS) 02:2022, 4) Principles of organic farming and organic certification systems in Bhutan 5) Awareness through other audio-visuals aids to educate farmers on the harmful impacts of indiscriminate usage of synthetic chemicals 6) Video presentation on the preparation and benefits of bio-pesticides and organic fertilizers promoted by NCOA, aiming to build local capacity in production of bio-inputs.
Farmers actively participated in the discussion and raised a key challenge on accessing affordable organic inputs such as organic fertilizers and pesticides. They expressed that availability of locally produced and affordable organic alternatives would increase their confidence in shifting to organic farming. Nevertheless, the program received a positive response when eight farmers voluntarily agreed to register with NCOA for conversion to organic farming. Several other participants expressed interest, but cited challenges such as the land clustering and neighbouring farmers practicing conventional methods. Concerns were raised about feasibility due to shared land boundaries and risk of contamination.
While the initial response shows potential for organic conversion, addressing logistical challenges, particularly access to organic inputs and better coordination among land users will be critical for their adoption. Moving forward, NCOA recommends strengthening local organic farm-input production and distribution systems, making available of effective and cost-effective bio-inputs to farmers and carrying out follow-up capacity building programs.
Submitted by: Kencho Dem (PRCP)
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