Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and innovative food systems took center stage this week as Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), arrived with a high-level delegation for a historic two-day visit.
Dr. QU’s trip, which highlights decades of fruitful collaboration between Bhutan and the FAO dating back to the 1980s, is geared toward bolstering agricultural cooperation and advancing sustainable agrifood systems in the kingdom. The delegation has already embarked on a tour of pivotal agricultural sites across Bhutan, signaling a renewed focus on modern farming practices and rural entrepreneurship.
Showcasing Innovation on the Ground
On the inaugural day of the visit, Dr. QU and his team first traveled to the National Seed Centre (NSC) in Paro, where they were presented with newly installed tissue culture laboratory equipment. This state-of-the-art apparatus is set to revolutionize the production of disease-free planting materials, a critical component in ensuring robust agricultural productivity. FAO officials emphasized that their initiatives at the NSC—ranging from lab upgrades to the establishment of a citrus repository and comprehensive seed management training—are central to enhancing Bhutan’s food security.
Later, the delegation visited a local strawberry farm that is pioneering vertical farming technology under the FAO-supported Hand-in-Hand Initiative. This innovative project is designed to optimize the use of urban spaces and is expected to inspire young entrepreneurs to explore modern, tech-driven agricultural practices.
Engaging with Policy and Market Leaders
After a morning steeped in agricultural innovation, the delegation made its way to Thimphu, where they visited the bustling Centenary Farmers’ Market (locally known as Kaja Throm). Here, discussions focused on the critical role of market access in driving sustainable economic growth. Collaborations with the Department of Agricultural and Marketing Cooperatives (DAMC) were highlighted as key to diversifying agricultural outputs and fostering public-private partnerships in the food sector.
The significance of the visit was further underscored by the scheduled audience with His Majesty the King later today—a gesture that reinforces Bhutan’s high-level commitment to enhancing agricultural policy and market access.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. QU Dongyu’s itinerary includes visits to several more vital sites: the National Centre for Organic Agriculture, the Yusipang Cottage and Small Industries Market, and the National Centre for Animal Health in Serbithang. These visits are expected to further highlight FAO’s contributions in areas such as organic farming, local enterprise development, and animal health management.
A notable highlight of the visit is the joint launch of two ambitious initiatives. The “One Child, One Egg” programme, aimed at improving child nutrition, and the Bhutan AgriSustain Fund, designed to provide sustainable agricultural support, will be officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay alongside Dr. QU Dongyu. These initiatives reflect the shared commitment of Bhutan and the FAO to nurture a resilient and innovative agricultural landscape.
Strengthening a Legacy of Partnership
Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, described the visit as “a historic moment that celebrates and strengthens the robust partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.” With nearly 100 Technical Cooperation Programmes implemented in Bhutan over the years—amounting to an investment of roughly USD 35 million—the FAO’s long-standing presence continues to drive meaningful progress across the nation’s agricultural sectors.
As the FAO delegation prepares for its departure tomorrow, the ongoing dialogue and tangible initiatives launched during this visit promise to pave the way for a more sustainable and innovative future for Bhutan’s agrifood systems.