It has been a deeply rooted principle instilled in Bhutanese and a way of life to continue to protect the environment and make best use of nonrenewable resources such as oil and gas to maintain sustainable agriculture. Looking towards a future of the nation where environmental sustainability and technological modernity can coexist.
Bhutan is the first and only carbon negative country in the world, hence Bhutan laws give importance to the environment, in the constitution article 5. 3. “The Government shall ensure that, in order to conserve the country’s natural resources and to prevent degradation of the ecosystem, a minimum of sixty percent of Bhutan’s total land shall be maintained under forest cover for all time” to ensure a safe and healthy environment, a gem passed down through generations of Bhutanese.
Bhutan makes an effort in sustainable agriculture by:
Organic farming practices; Bhutan has embraced organic farming as a cornerstone of its agricultural policies, the traditional farming methods of avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers are actively promoted, this approach helps safeguard the environment and also ensures the production of healthy food.
Biodiversity conservation; Bhutan has implemented and promoted Agroforestry; combines agricultural forestry technologies to create more diverse, productive, profitable, healthy, and sustainable land use systems providing habitat for wildlife, improving soil fertility and enhancing biodiversity while working with hard terrains and landscapes.
Community based farming; Sustainable agriculture in Bhutan places a strong emphasis on water conservation and management. The government supports the construction of water storage facilities and terraced farming, minimising soil erosion and optimising water use, also many of these are important concepts of community-based farming that are pivotal in Bhutan. The government promotes the formation of cooperatives and self-help groups to facilitate collective farming. This not only fosters a sense of community but also enables the sharing of resources and knowledge among farmers.
Technological integration; Bhutan is gradually integrating modern technologies into its agricultural practices to enhance efficiency and sustainability. This includes the use of weather forecasting, precision agriculture, and innovative irrigation methods. The government supports farmers in adopting these technologies to improve overall agricultural productivity.
Bhutan’s commitment to sustainable agriculture reflects its broader vision of holistic development. By blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques, Bhutan strives to create an agricultural landscape that not only ensures food security but also contributes to the well-being of its people and the preservation of its unique environment.
