The National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA) had the privilege to participate and promote organic farming during the 11th Jhomolhari Mountain Festival, which is held annually in Soe Gewog on October 14–15 to celebrate the culture of highland communities and promote snow leopard conservation.
In collaboration with the Thimphu Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector, NCOA displayed organic technologies such as organic fertilizers, biopesticides, and new organic capsicum varieties currently under varietal trial. In addition, brochures and other promotional materials and documents on organic farming were also showcased to raise awareness among local farmers, visitors, and festival participants about the benefits and opportunities of organic agriculture. Moreover, recognizing the challenges of growing vegetables in high-altitude regions like Soe, the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector has also promoted the use of sunken greenhouses—a climate-smart technology that enables year-round vegetable production in cold and harsh environments. The exhibition served as an important platform to promote organic practices and create awareness among highland communities about sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural approaches.
Following the two-day exhibition, a capacity-building training on organic agriculture was conducted for the farmers of Soe Gewog. A total of 19 farmers attended the training, which covered topics such as the Bhutan Organic Standards (BOS), Wild Collection Guidelines, and F
arm Diary Maintenance. The training aimed to enhance farmers’ understanding of Bhutan’s organic system, recordkeeping requirements, and the importance of maintaining traceability in organic production. Practical guidance was also provided on how to follow the procedures for registration and certification under Bhutan’s Organic Guarantee Systems.
The training was initiated in response to Soe Gewog’s interest in certifying the wild collection of sangs (incense raw materials) to market these products to organic processors in Bhutan. The session not only strengthened farmers’ technical knowledge but also motivated them to explore organic certification as a means of adding value to their local natural resources. Through this initiative, NCOA is expected to support Soe Gewog in developing sustainable livelihood opportunities while conserving the rich biodiversity of the region through organic and responsible wild collection practices.
Sangay Lhamo
PRCP
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