Bhutan is preparing to launch the pilot phase of an inclusive agricultural therapy initiative in Mongar, bringing together farming, rehabilitation and livelihood development to promote greater social inclusion and well-being.
The initiative, known as the Inclusive Agri-Therapeutic Rehabilitation Model, seeks to explore how agricultural activities can support rehabilitation while creating opportunities for meaningful participation and economic empowerment.
More than 20 stakeholders and partner organisations recently gathered in Mongar for consultations aimed at advancing the project towards its pilot implementation phase.
The proposed model combines therapeutic engagement with practical agricultural activities, recognising farming as a potential pathway to improved physical and emotional well-being, skill development and greater independence.
By integrating rehabilitation with agriculture, the initiative aims to provide participants with opportunities to develop productive skills while engaging in activities that may contribute to their overall quality of life.
The approach also highlights the potential of agriculture to serve purposes beyond conventional food production, particularly in rural communities where farming remains closely connected to everyday life and local livelihoods.
Stakeholder collaboration will be important in translating the proposed framework into a practical programme. The pilot phase is expected to offer opportunities to assess implementation challenges, identify appropriate support mechanisms and evaluate the model’s suitability for wider adoption.
The initiative reflects growing interest in community-based approaches that connect rehabilitation services with livelihood opportunities and social participation.
If successfully implemented, the Mongar pilot could provide useful lessons for developing similar inclusive programmes elsewhere in Bhutan.
The project represents an effort to explore how existing agricultural resources and community participation can contribute to a more inclusive rehabilitation framework, potentially creating a model that combines personal well-being, productive engagement and sustainable livelihood development.
