Bhutan’s ambitious vision of becoming the world’s first 100 percent organic nation by 2020 has hit a significant roadblock as the National Organic Flagship Programme (NOFP) has been officially discontinued. Launched in 2019 with a substantial budget of Nu 1 billion, the program aimed to revolutionize Bhutan’s agricultural landscape. However, its unflagging marks a notable shift in the country’s organic farming trajectory.
Initially overseen by the Prime Minister’s Office, the NOFP faced challenges that have left its future in limbo. Due to reprioritisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget was reduced to Nu 525 million, of which only Nu 357.43 million was spent—approximately 68 percent of the allocated funds over the five-year period.
A source from Kuensel indicated that the project’s cross-sectoral nature led to fragmented control and inefficient implementation. Various agencies focused on their own priorities, rather than working collaboratively within a unified framework. This lack of coordination, coupled with frequent changes in government plans, inadequate funding, and shifting priorities, further hampered progress.
The organic agriculture initiative, which aimed to replace all conventional farming practices with organic methods, struggled to gain traction. For instance, local farmers like Sangay Tashi of Jo Langri Gonor Detshen in Haa, reported difficulties in selling vegetables due to market constraints. Similarly, Pema Tenzin from Ney Norbu Detsen in Lhuentse noted that despite government support for mustard oil production, the output remains below expectations.
Kesang Tshomo, an advisor at Organic Sector Development under the NOFP, explained that the programme’s goals encompassed not only vegetable cultivation but also livestock and forest products. However, investments failed to match the ambitious targets, leading to a shift in focus. The lack of a coordinated investment strategy and insufficient government push or market pull has made it challenging for farmers to meet the national organic goal.
Despite the setback, Bhutan has seen some progress in organic agriculture. With an investment of Nu 97 million between 2019 and 2023, the country managed to sell 1,418 metric tonnes of produce worth Nu 167 million domestically. The nation boasts four internationally certified organic products—lemongrass oil, edible flowers, ginger, and blue pine essential oil—as well as 65 products certified under Bhutan Organic Standard.
The National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA) continues to support organic farming, but faces hurdles in enforcing widespread adoption. Program Director Kailash Pradhan highlighted that there is no dedicated budget for organic programmes, though Nu 10 million has been proposed for standardisation and certification.
Despite these challenges, Bhutan’s organic farming potential remains. The NCOA and other agencies are working to overcome obstacles and improve the sector’s performance. As Norden Lepcha, the principal agriculture officer at NCOA, pointed out, investing in bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, hybrid seeds, and research could help Bhutan move closer to its organic vision.
In the meantime, Bhutan’s focus is shifting towards balancing food security with organic farming goals. The country’s reliance on imported fertilizers and pesticides underscores the complexity of transitioning to a fully organic agricultural system while ensuring adequate food production.
As Bhutan navigates this uncertain phase, the dream of a completely organic nation remains a distant goal, but with ongoing efforts and strategic investments, the vision might still be within reach.
