In a move to bolster Bhutan’s organic farming sector and connect health-conscious consumers with homegrown produce, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Co-operatives (DAMC) officially launched a dedicated Organic Product Outlet at Kaja Throm in Thimphu on June 20.
The outlet, set up in partnership with the National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), is envisioned as a vital bridge between certified organic producers and the Bhutanese market. With 344 individual farmers and farming groups already certified under organic standards across the country, officials say this retail hub marks a key milestone in bringing their products directly to consumers.
The initiative is being run by Bio-Bhutan, a local enterprise with over ten years of experience in handling and exporting organic goods. Ugyen, CEO of Bio-Bhutan, highlighted the outlet’s mission to create a dependable and efficient market platform for farmers. “We are prioritising the sale of products certified under the Local Organic Assurance System (LOAS) to uphold quality and credibility,” he said.
Currently staffed by a small team of four, including three women, the outlet has already forged connections with more than 300 farmers, producer groups, and local food manufacturers. Shoppers can now purchase a variety of organic produce ranging from leafy greens like spinach and radish to staple items such as potatoes, garlic, and locally milled flour.
Ugyen noted that Bio-Bhutan is committed to ensuring that public investments into the outlet translate into real benefits for both producers and consumers. “Bhutanese farmers often face significant marketing challenges. This outlet is one way to address those challenges and complement the government’s broader efforts,” he said.
While organic produce at the outlet currently costs about 15 to 20 percent more than conventionally grown alternatives, Bio-Bhutan says pricing is under review to make products more accessible. Early customer feedback has been encouraging, with many expressing a willingness to pay a premium for healthier, certified options.
The project is being supported financially by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Japanese firm Sun Smile Co., Ltd., which is also involved in a separate organic farming initiative in Chanachen, Chukha.
Speaking at the launch, Yoichiro Kimata, chief representative of the JICA Bhutan Office, reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to Bhutan’s agriculture sector. “Since the 1960s, JICA has played a supporting role in Bhutan’s agricultural journey. With the shift toward market-driven agriculture, we’re now focusing on helping Bhutan leverage its organic identity both locally and internationally,” he said.
Kimata noted that Bhutan’s organic brand stands out in the region due to its alignment with the country’s Gross National Happiness philosophy, particularly its emphasis on safe and healthy living.
The outlet is also backed by the Department of Agriculture and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority, both of which will continue to play a role in quality assurance and product safety.
Officials at DAMC say the Kaja Throm outlet is just the beginning. If it proves successful, the model will be replicated in other dzongkhags across the country, helping to strengthen the organic agriculture value chain and promote Bhutan’s unique agricultural identity.
The launch was attended by the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, who commended the initiative as a timely and strategic intervention to support Bhutanese farmers and advance sustainable agriculture in the country.
