Bhutan: Organic By 2020 - Organic 3.0: The Next Phase of Organic Development - Visions, Trends and Innovations. Conference 9-11 October 2015 - ifoam
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Tsewang Dorji
National Soil Services Centre
Bhutan: Organic By Dept. of Agriculture, MoA&F
Thimphu-Bhutan.
2020. tdorji60@gmail.com.
Organic 3.0: The Next Phase of Organic Development -
Visions, Trends and Innovations.
Conference
9-11 October 2015
Korea.
Country Profile & Land Use
Country Profile Altitude: varies from 160 m to 7550 masl. Climatic zones: subtropics in south (high annual rainfall-5500mm) to alpine in the north(low rainfall-400mm). Population: 745,153 ( NSB.2014).79% reside in the rural areas. Major Industries: Hydroelectricity generation, Agriculture, Forestry, Tourism. Main Occupation: Agriculture and livestock raising (69 %). 15.7% GDP; 60% labor force. Country currently meets 65% of food needs.
Bhutan and Development Centuries of self imposed isolation qKept Bhutan outside the path of economic development in South Asia. qShielded the country from many of the detrimental side effects of poorly planned or haphazard development. qBhutan’s natural environment (extensive and varied forests, limited yet fertile and productive farm land and pristine water and air) remains largely intact.
Bhutan’s National
Environmental Strategy.
Constitutional Mandate:
“Maintain forest cover at < 60 % at all
times”
Net green house gas emission in
negative.
Bhutan’s Development
Paththe Gross National
Since 1970s, Bhutan has pursued
Happiness (GNH) philosophy - “there is more to life than just material
development.”
The concept of GNH has often been explained by its four
pillars:
1. Good Governance
2. Environment Conservation
3. Preservation & Promotion of Culture and traditions.
4. Socio-Economic Development.
“the
understanding
of
what
humans
need
to
make
them
happy
is
vital
to
our
society”
-‐
King
JSW.
The Economic Development Policy-2010.
The Vision of the Economic Development Policy:
“To promote a green and self reliant economy sustained by an IT
enabled knowledge society guided by the philosophy of GNH.”
• This objective of economic self reliance targeted to be achieved by
year 2020.
• strategies charted out to achieve this target :
– Diversify the economic base with minimum ecological footprint
– Harness and add value to natural resources in a sustainable
manner
– Increase and diversify exports
– Promote Bhutan as an Organic Brand
– Promote industries that build the Brand Bhutan image
Environment
Bhutanese
Farming
q
Difficult terrain.
q Only about 7.8% of the total land is cultivable.
q Agri. Lands scattered, small, remote villages on hills with steep slopes and
valley bottoms.
q Average size of a farm is 4.3 acres.
q Farming largely subsistence oriented mixed farming (crops, livestock and
forest).
q Farming is difficult, labor intensive, low intensity farm input, limited
opportunity for farm mechanization, non-availability of water when and
where
needed, labour shortage & human wildlife conflict.
Agriculture in Bhutan The goal of the RNR sector: § increase food self-sufficiency through domestic production. § reduce poverty from 23% to 15 % of the population by 2020. § 65% self-sufficiency in rice by end of 2020.
Agriculture in Bhutan…..
Traditional Agriculture – Organic by
Nature.Agriculture in Bhutan … Evolving Practices: ØTraditional subsistence farming slowly evolving into commercial ventures. ØPromotion of high yielding & disease/pest resistant varieties. ØEmergence of small scale commercial agri-business ventures. ØValue addition to agro-products through post harvest storage & processing. ØOrchard land use gaining more importance. ØLivestock- improved breeds, reduced herd size. ØFormation of Farmer Cooperatives for cost effectiveness. ØSynthetic fertilizers, pesticides & herbicides usage increase.
Type & Quantity of Fertilizer Distribution by Year
Overall Trend in Pesticide Consumption
Fer0lizer
Use
Trend
in
Bhutan
Robert
Rodale-‐
"Feed
the
soil
and
it
wll
feed
the
crop."
Major Crop Production
Major Insect Pests, Diseases & Weeds of Crops
Grown in Bhutan
Major Insect pests Diseases Common weeds
crops
Rice Stem borer, Blast, Brown spot, Potomegaton (Shochum),
case worms, Sheath rot
leaf folder
Potato Tuber moth, Late blight, Viruses Cyperus spp. Digitaria spp,
aphids Ageratum conizoids, Ageratum
Red ants Galinsoga, Fogopyrum,
Chenopodium, Fumario parviflor
and others
Maize Stem borer, Cut Grey leaf spot, Turcicum Do
worm blight
Vegetables Cut worm, Wilt/Blight, Rots Do
/ Chillies DBM, Aphids, viruses
Fruit borer,
thrips, mites
Apple Beetles, Scab, PLF, Rust
Weevils, Do
scales
Mites, Borers
Overall Trend in Pesticide Consumption
• Weed control: Butachlor and Metribuzin
• Non-toxic chemicals (Neem oil, TSO) : 9388 lit per year)
• Overall, use of agro-chemicals still limited
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan. Ø For Bhutan, sustainability is a prime concern and organic agriculture, heart of the movement. Ø In 2007, New Agricultural Policy (Development of Organic Agriculture) envisioning the country fully converts to organic by 2020 announced. Ø All current agricultural practices organic; require minimal steps for conversion. Ø Rio+20 Sustainable Development Conference 2012: “Bhutan, 1st country to be 100 % Organic.”- PM J.Y.T.
OA-
Mainstreaming and Implementation
• NOP a cross-cutting program in MoAF
•
NFOFB and support sector
Role of NOP to implement
development
• NOP guided by TWG of 13 members from MoAF
• All MoAF agencies to implement programs in their sector
OA-
Mainstreaming and Implementation
• Important agencies include:
– NSSC – soil fertility mgt
– NPPC – pest mgt
– NPHC – post harvest, processing, value addition
– RNR RDCs – research and development
– BAFRA – regulation, certification
– DAMC – market info and marketing
– Extension: field implementation
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan - Initiatives
I. NOP has developed:
q Guidelines for the import and distribution of bio-pesticides/
fertilizers. 2015.
q National Organic Standard of Bhutan- Draft.
q Bhutan Organic Certification System – BAFRA.
q Strategic Action Plan for Organic Agriculture Development in
Bhutan.
q National Logo for marketing organic products in Bhutan.
q Master Plan for Organic Sector Development. Draft.
q National Framework for Organic Farming in Bhutan. 2007.
BAFRA
Certified
OrganicOrganic Agriculture in Bhutan – Initiatives….
II. Establishment of a National Level Advisory Board
(TWG), MoA&F, 2009:
• To establish support systems for farms under
conversion to organic.
• Responsible overall guidance, coordination, linkagesOrganic Agriculture in Bhutan –
Initiatives….
1. Druk Organic Farm in Toktokha,
III. Establishment of
Wangdue. Estd. 2009 (50 ac.)
Organic Farms:
2. Wang Sisina Integrated Farm,
Farms established – Kasadrapchu, Thimphu .Estd.
operating on 2014. (29 ac.)
principles & practices 3. Chukha.-YDI. Estd. 2014.
of organic farming.
Organic Agriculture
in Bhutan – Initiatives….
IV. Organic
States: District-wide organic initiatives
3 of 20 states
already
declared organic.
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan – Initiatives…. V. School Agriculture Program - MoAF & MoE, RGOB: • Organic Agriculture included in the school curriculum.
LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD with assurance. Certificate in support of organic community
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan:
Challenges
§ The National Organic Program (Estd. 2006) promotes OA in
Bhutan - the organic industry - still in its infancy.
§ No policies/systems that directly support development of
Organic industry to date.
§ Improve access to alternative input (bio-pest/weed
management) supply.
§ introduce subsidies/premium & credit support for organic
farmers.Organic Agriculture in Bhutan:
Challenges
§ Medication in animal health management.
§ Explore prospects for marketing, research & development of
market at national, regional and international levels.
§ Action plan with clear targets for the organic sector to help
agencies / stakeholders to focus their efforts.
§ Investment into agriculture research and support through
conversion.
§ Capacity development of stakeholders.Organic Agriculture in Bhutan: Prospects.
§ Bhutanese farming attuned
to organic agriculture
§ Inaccessible areas organic by default
§
Relatively easy conversion to organic
§
and natural resources
Conservation of biodiversity
§ Contribute to eradication of poverty, promote gender
equality and ensure better nutrition and health
§ Provides opportunity to commercialize small holder
farming, e.g red rice
OA in Bhutan - Prospects. • More Farmers adopting organic technologies • Many young people choosing to be organic farmers and trade organic produce • Yields in organic crops not noted to decline in yield • The best farmer awards in 2006 went to organic farmer • Lemon grass essential oil certified and exported successfully for 12 consecutive year.
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan: Prospects. q Increasing interest from both Govt. and Private sectors to go organic. q Religious sentiments – deterrent against use of toxic chemicals. q Right physical / socio-cultural production environment. qGlobal trend of consumers’ preference for organic products.
Summary & Conclusions
qTraditional farming in Bhutan is close to organic.
q Amount of agro-chemicals used are minimum compared
to
other countries.
q Barriers to becoming 100% organic:
§ No clear pesticide and fertilizer regulation.
§ Not enough bio-fert./pesticides/organic seeds.
§ Acute labor shortage.
§ Lack of ready market for farm produce.
q With the NOP initiatives in place - 100% organic possible.Bhutan: 100 % Organic by
2020?
§ A seismic shift towards organic:
§ Identify alternative for herbicide/pesticide……
Bhutan : 100 % organic …..tomorrow!thank you for your a5en6on.
Sustainable Development in
Bhutan
“The
Recognizing the need to Middle Path”
preserve this rich
conservation heritage
Bhutan’s Sustainable
Development Policy is
guided by the principles put
forth by the K4-J.S.
Wangchuk:
“Development must not take
place at the expense of our
natural resources”
“Gross National Happiness
is more important than
Gross National
“The
State
shall
strive
to
pProduct”
romote
those
condi4ons
that
will
enable
the
pursuit
of
Gross
Na4onal
Happiness”-‐
The
Cons4tu4on
of
Bhutan
(2008)
Ar4cle
9.
Organic Agriculture “Organic Agriculture: A production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.” – NOP, Bhutan. This definition guides the organic movement in Bhutan.
Current Status of Organic Agriculture – Area under organic agri. production: 2069 acres – NWFPs with certification ( LGO): 38558 acres – Total land under organic management: 40627 acres – No of Dzongkhags: In all 20 – Main organic crops: Asparagus & buckwheat – Others: vegetables, dyes, SMAP, dry land cereals, NWFPs – NGOS involved: Tarayana, NWAB, RSPN, BAOWE, SJI – Private companies: Bio Bhutan, Charu Tshongdrel, – Cooperatives and groups: DOGC, Happy Green Coop. + farmers groups – Others: All SAP schools, Sisina Organic Project, CFM sales outlet, local outlets – Demonstration farms- Nezerkha, Chimipang
Organic Agriculture in Bhutan – Initiatives….
VI. 11th FYP of NOP: Three pronged approach.....
Category Production Area Focus for Development based on
for Description
starting point
Developme
nt
Category 1 Naturally organic, remote For conservation of area/ watershed,
areas, areas within National biodiversity, household nutritional needs
Parks, high altitude areas and food basket security. Developing
integrated self reliant farming systems.
Many NWFPs and highland products may
be covered within this category
Category 2 Selected areas selected Production for local markets and building
products linked to potential towards surplus production for market
markets in local proximity orientation. Farmer groups organized to
produce for mainly local markets, e.g.
hotels, resorts. PGS organic with Bhutan
Organic logo
Category 3 Any area suitable for FDI, Contract growing or commercial
production, any products scale production targeting export markets,
identified as suitable for may be certified
Research and Development Institutes
• RNR- 5 Research and Development Centres around the
country.
• RDC- Yusipang has been organic since 2004
• Poor capacity and development in R&D
• No regional collaboration on organic research, some
sharing of technical information through SAARC meetings
• Bhutan not part of research collaboration for organic
research
Issues: Marketing Organic Produce q Majority sold in local market- need development q No premium price for being organic in Bhutan q Lemon grass oil is the only certified and export product- to Europe, USA q High premium for being local- up to 300-500% at beginning of season over imported vegetables q Poor value addition and packaging for marketing q Little or no branding/labelling q Cost of marketing is very high- transport costs q Mostly groups/cooperatives based production
Issues : Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management
C o m m o d i t y / Constraint/ problem Action / Intervention
Product in going organic required to find the
solution
Irrigated Rice Low fertility for Improve fertility,
improved varieties varieties, funds
Maize Mono-cropping, cropping systems
poor soils (crop rotation
management
Vegetables Alternatives for Research and trials
agrochemicals
Fruits - apples, Pest, disease, & Research and trials
citrus and potato soil nutrient
management.Issues : Plant Protection & Management
Practices
Commodity/ Product Constraint/ problem in A c t i o n / I n t e r v e n t i o n
going organic required to find the
solution
Rice Pests and diseases, Research to find
weeds solutions
Maize GLS/TLB, ear infection by Research and trails
various fungi
Other cereals, oils and Alternatives for Research and trails
vegetables agrochemicals
Fruits- apples and citrus Pest and disease Research and trailsIssues : Common Crosscutting
Commodity/ Product Constraint/ problem Action / Intervention
in going organic required to find the
solution
E d u c a t i o n , A w a r e n e s s a n d Poor awareness Advocacy campaign,
Advocacy, funds
Standards , Regulation and Lack of system Professional T.A. To
Certification set up system
Farmer groups /Cooperatives & Poor capacity Trainings, support,
Marketing: through organic farmers incentives, funds
groups and cooperatives
Human Resource Development: Poor capacity, Trainings
limited Nos.
Information and data management Efficient System set up , HR,
system for organic sector information training
documentation and
sharing
Monitoring and Evaluation Delivery and impact HR,You can also read
