Bhutan at a glance
Bhutan's agricultural sector comprises of agriculture, livestock and forestry; contributing to approximately 14.67 percent to the country's GDP and is responsible for 43.50 percent of the nation's employment. Notably, 57.8 percent of employed women are vital players in the food and nutrition security landscape. Although, the agriculture production system in Bhutan is largely subsistence, gradual transition is observed in recent years, increase in semi-commercial farming systems and climate smart farming practices. Most farmers are into natural farming system with limited use of synthetic inputs and organic farming and production of high-value low-volume commodities are realized for better opportunities in the niche market for better returns, and for long-term sustainability.
Bhutan's agricultural sector comprises of agriculture, livestock and forestry; contributing to approximately 14.67 percent to the country's GDP and is responsible for 43.50 percent of the nation's employment. Notably, 57.8 percent of employed women are vital players in the food and nutrition security landscape. Although, the agriculture production system in Bhutan is largely subsistence, gradual transition is observed in recent years, increase in semi-commercial farming systems and climate smart farming practices. Most farmers are into natural farming system with limited use of synthetic inputs and organic farming and production of high-value low-volume commodities are realized for better opportunities in the niche market for better returns, and for long-term sustainability.
In 1972, Bhutan received the first FAO assisted project funded by UNDP for general development which paved the way for a more extensive and specialized involvement. Bhutan subsequently obtained FAO membership in 1981 and since then the programme of cooperation expanded rapidly and diversified into more extensive and specialized disciplines in line with strengthened capabilities in the sectors of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry. FAO incorporates the gender-responsive approach in the project cycle management to safeguard the sustainability of the intervention and ensuring equitable growth. It focuses on the ecosystem restoration, adaptation and mitigation actions against the impacts of climate change in the agriculture and forest sectors encouraging synergies and trade-offs between the two.