Farmers in Haa District are set to benefit from improved market opportunities for their apple harvests following a new partnership between Bhutan Agro Industries Limited and the district administration.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed yesterday will guarantee farmers in the district a more reliable market for their apples beginning this year, addressing concerns over unstable prices and limited market access that have affected growers for years.
District officials said the agreement is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods by ensuring better returns for farmers while also encouraging increased apple production across the district.
“Poor sales have discouraged farmers in recent years,” said Tenzin Jamba, chairperson of the Haa Dzongkhag Tshogdu. “With this collaboration, we hope farmers will regain confidence and expand their orchards and production.”
Under the partnership, Bhutan Agro Industries Limited will procure apples directly from farmers and offer prices based on quality. The company also pledged to purchase lower-grade apples that are often rejected in conventional markets.
Chief Executive Officer Sherab Namgay said even apples of lesser quality would fetch a minimum price of Nu 20 per kilogram. These apples, he added, would be processed into products such as apple juice and cider.
“The initiative is aimed at building trust among farmers and creating confidence in commercial apple farming,” Sherab Namgay said.
Officials believe the programme could have a broader social impact beyond boosting farm incomes. The district administration said creating dependable markets for agricultural produce could help reduce rural migration by encouraging people to remain in or return to their villages.
The collaboration may also extend to other crops in the future. According to district officials, Haa produces carrots and beetroot in significant quantities, and discussions are underway to explore procurement opportunities for these vegetables as well.
Currently, farmers supply these crops to the Food Corporation of Bhutan in Phuentshogling, but officials said the new partnership could open additional market channels.
Haa is among Bhutan’s leading apple-producing districts. Last year alone, the district recorded an output of around 41 metric tonnes of apples.
