Yangbari, a serene village nestled along the Kuri-Gongri River in Mongar, Bhutan, has witnessed a remarkable transformation. What once was a modest garden has burgeoned into a flourishing pineapple farming enterprise, injecting vitality into the local economy and elevating the lives of its farmers.
At the heart of this agricultural renaissance is 53-year-old Yeshi Tshomo. In 2015, Tshomo began her journey by planting pineapples using saplings sourced from fellow farmers in Mikuri village. Her initial two-acre plot, dedicated to cultivating Queen and Kew pineapple varieties, has since expanded significantly. By 2020, Tshomo had planted 500 saplings, and today, her dedication is reaping substantial rewards. Last year, she earned Nu 60,000, and this year, her income surged to Nu 80,000. “Pineapples are more profitable than maize, provided wild animals don’t damage the crops,” Tshomo remarked.
The catalyst for this economic uplift was the partnership with Bhutan Agro Industries Limited (BAIL). When BAIL guaranteed a stable market for pineapples, many farmers in Yangbari saw the potential to turn their passion into profit. Jigme Wangmo, another local farmer, shared her success: “I earned Nu 25,000 this year. The consistent demand from BAIL has inspired more people to cultivate pineapples.”
Today, 51 households in Yangbari engage in commercial pineapple farming, collectively expanding the cultivation area from 10 to 27 acres and increasing production from 3 metric tonnes to 14 metric tonnes this year alone. This surge has generated a collective revenue of Nu 620,000, significantly boosting household incomes and reducing poverty in the region.
However, this agricultural success story is not without its hurdles. Farmers grapple with persistent wildlife threats, including wild boars and porcupines, which raid the pineapple fields. To combat this, the community has erected temporary guard huts and installed extensive chain-link fencing, stretching approximately six kilometers. Despite these measures, Nima Zangmo from Patong village lamented, “Even with fences, wild animals still find their way in,” leading to crop losses of up to Nu 25,000 annually. Such losses discourage farmers from expanding their operations beyond small plots.
Local authorities and organizations have recognized the importance of safeguarding these burgeoning farms. Pikari-Yangbari Tshogpa, Sangay Chophel, highlighted the broader impact: “Pineapple farming has directly benefited local farmers and reduced poverty. Farmers are expanding their farms, which ultimately uplifts their livelihoods.”
In addition to economic benefits, the shift to pineapple farming has had positive environmental repercussions. Traditionally, Yangbari’s residents depended on the Golden Mahseer, a prized fish, for sustenance. Limited income opportunities previously led some to illegal fishing, threatening the species’ conservation. The adoption of pineapple cultivation has provided a sustainable alternative, diminishing the community’s reliance on fishing. A forest official noted, “Although there are no official records, illegal fishing and consumption are evident. We hope that income from pineapple farming will reduce the need to fish the Golden Mahseer.”
BAIL’s role extends beyond market assurance. The organization has collaborated with 51 farmers, offering training, farm audits, and organic certification through the National Centre for Organic Agriculture and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority. Yangbari’s pineapple growers are now among Bhutan’s largest certified organic producers, opening doors to international markets, including the European Union.
“Our long-term vision is to leverage projects like Gelephu Mindfulness City to bring prosperity to the region,” stated a BAIL official. These efforts not only ensure compliance with global standards but also enhance the reputation and marketability of Yangbari’s pineapples and their derivative products.
As Yangbari continues to navigate the balance between agricultural expansion and wildlife conservation, the community remains optimistic. The collective resilience and innovative spirit of its farmers, spearheaded by pioneers like Yeshi Tshomo, are paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable future.
In Yangbari, the humble pineapple has become a symbol of hope and transformation, illustrating how dedication and strategic partnerships can cultivate not just crops, but entire communities.
