Introduction
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) has been identified as a priority commodity in the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP). Quinoa has also been selected as a One Country One Priority (OCOP) for Bhutan under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nation’s flagship initiative to develop the value chain of Special Agricultural Products at global, regional and local levels. Under the OCOP initiative quinoa has receive tremendous technical and financial support from the FAO through its global fund and Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) project. Among the 14 Dzongkhags identified with the best production potential of quinoa, Chhukha is one of them where quinoa is being promoted on a commercial scale. Geographically, Chhukha Dzongkhag can be divided into high-altitude and low-altitude production zones for quinoa cultivation. The Farmers Field Day (FFD) conducted at Tshogchuna village under Samphelling Gewog represents the low-altitude production zone under Chhukha Dzongkhag. The FFD was held on 13th March, 2025. This FFD was jointly organized by Samphelling Gewog Administration, Gewog Agriculture Sector, Chhukha Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector and the National Center for Organic Agriculture (NCOA). This FFD was funded by FAO through the global fund for quinoa. The crop was sown on 7th November, 2024 and harvested on 13th March 2023. The yield recorded was 400 Kg/acre. The theme of the FFD was “Eat Quinoa for food and nutrition security”.
Objectives of the Field Day
The main objectives of the Field Day were:
- To demonstrate the success of quinoa cultivation and showcase the success of quinoa cultivation to inspire more farmers and address any uncertainties about this crop.
- To create awareness by educating the farmers on crop management, harvesting, and processing techniques.
- To demonstrate the household level utilization of quinoa through hands on training on how to prepare local quinoa-based dishes by integrating quinoa into local menu.
Details of Participants
The event was attended by 38 individuals, comprising farmers, local government officials, media, and guests. The total male participant was 28 and female 10.
Highlights of the Field Day
The event was graced by Dasho Dungpa of Phunetsholing Dungkhag as the Chief guest. Dasho Dungpa inspected the quinoa field and advised farmers to focus on production if they wanted to earn cash income and derive health benefits from a nutri-cereal like quinoa. He also rewarded the cooperator farmer Mr. Padam Singh Ghalley with irrigation pipe as an incentive to encourage him to cultivate quinoa on a commercial scale. The Chief DAO Chhukha and Agriculture Specialist from NCOA explained in detail the benefits of quinoa, future plans and production targets for Chhukha. CDAO Chhukha also informed the participants on the receipt of three Multi-crop threshers from FAO Director General as a big support to mechanize quinoa production. He informed that Geling, Samphelling and Bongo quinoa farmers will immensely benefit from these machines. He emphasized that individual farmers will manage the machine and provide service to other farmers. The price and marketing mechanisms for quinoa was also advocated to the farmers. Further, during the event, following four quinoa-based products were prepared and demonstrated to encourage the utilization of quinoa at the household level.
- Quinoa Porridge
- Quinoa Desi
- Quinoa + Rice Dish
- Quinoa Kheer
Participants were given step-by-step instructions on how to prepare these dishes and were invited to taste them. Feedback was collected to understand their preferences and opinions. Quinoa field visits and poster presentation was conducted by the NCAO to give insights into quinoa cultivation and management practices.
Key Outcomes
- Quinoa as a superfood and its importance for food and nutrition security was emphasized and encouraged by the Chief Guest and advised all the stakeholders to promote its inclusion in diets during public gatherings.
- Farmers expressed satisfaction with success of the crop, awareness, support from government and the current market price and marketing mechanisms.
- The positive feedback and success of the initiative encouraged discussions on expanding quinoa cultivation areas in the coming season.
- Farmers were encouraged and advised to increase production to derive the benefits from the government’s price incentive for quinoa.
Conclusion
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Samphelling Administration Officer marking the event as a successful step toward promoting quinoa cultivation and its adoption in Chhukha Dzongkhag. The event educated the farmers and highlighted the potential of quinoa as a sustainable and profitable winter crop for farmers of low altitude areas under Chhukha Dzongkhag.
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