𝐃𝐫𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝐔𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

…𝒐𝒏-𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒚𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆

By Kinzang Lhamo

Upland rice cultivation is emerging as a viable solution to enhance rice production in Bhutan, particularly in regions with limited irrigation. Recognized for its role in reducing rice imports by 30–50 percent in areas where it is cultivated, upland rice offers an adaptive response to frequent droughts and shifting agricultural practices. Known locally as Pangbara in eastern Bhutan and Kambja in the west, its inclusion in the National Rice Commodity Program and the 11th Five-Year Plan highlights its significance in achieving national rice self-sufficiency.

In Babana village under Dungna Gewog, an on-farm trial was initiated through a collaboration between the Chukha Dzongkhag and the National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA). The trial involves 10 farmers cultivating the Khangma Maap variety of rice on 1.5 acres, using both line planting and broadcasting methods alongside the application of organic manure. With an expected yield of approximately 2,000 kg per acre, the first harvest is anticipated in October 2025. The crops are being regularly monitored to ensure optimal performance.

TB Katwal, Agriculture Specialist at NCOA, noted, “Upland rice cannot compare to conventional rice in terms of yield and productivity, as it is usually grown under less water. Under good management, upland rice can yield up to 1 to 1.2 metric tonnes per acre. It is more efficient in terms of labor and water usage. If rainfall is timely or if farmers have the option to irrigate, upland rice can deliver good productivity.”

Historical successes, such as in Kanglung village, illustrate the potential of upland rice. Ap Naku, a retired serviceman, cultivated 0.66 acres in 2005 and harvested 600 kg of rice, significantly reducing his household’s reliance on market-bought rice. Inspired by his success, neighboring farmers expanded cultivation to 12 acres, producing an average yield of 1,000–1,200 kg per acre. Similar expansion has been noted in Trashigang, where upland rice now covers 45 acres across five gewogs.

Dhodo, Chief Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer of Chukha, emphasized, “Our foremost aim is to significantly enhance upland rice cultivation among dryland farmers. This initiative not only seeks to reduce our reliance on imported rice but also aspires to transform our agricultural landscape. By introducing upland rice in Babana village, we are offering farmers a sustainable alternative to traditional crops such as potatoes, cabbages, and minor cereals. By optimizing the use of available dryland, we are optimistic that we can achieve substantial rice production over time, thereby reinforcing food security and building a more resilient agricultural system in Chukha.”

He added that, in conjunction with the upland rice program, the Dzongkhag is actively promoting the use of farm machinery to mechanize crop production, addressing the pressing challenges of an aging population and labor shortages. “Currently, Chukha Dzongkhag is equipped with sufficient machinery to facilitate farm mechanization. Additionally, we recognize the importance of mitigating human-wildlife conflict in crop production and are implementing solutions such as chain-link and electric fencing.”

The Dzongkhag is also exploring opportunities to support dryland irrigation systems to enhance crop productivity and effectively address challenges posed by climate change.

Entrepreneurs and farmers participating in the Babana trial have expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential.
Tshering Zam, an entrepreneur, shared, “I joined this trial because our vegetable crops were severely affected by pests last year, and we had no alternative income. Upland rice is not only pest-resistant but also offers good prices, making it a promising option.”

She continued, “Until now, we have been importing rice from India, so being able to grow our own rice would be a great step toward self-sufficiency. If this trial is successful, we plan to expand cultivation to more acres in the future. This year, we have focused on organic methods with no pesticide use, and our goal is to continue cultivating upland rice organically. It’s a step toward a more sustainable farming practice and independence from external rice sources.”

Sangay Zam, a first-time rice farmer, said, “We were provided with seeds and machinery by the agriculture officer, and the image they showed was very promising. Since this is our first time cultivating rice, I don’t have a clear idea about the profits, but if this trial succeeds, we are looking forward to cultivating the rice on larger areas.”

She added that the expansion could provide additional income for her family, improving financial stability and reducing dependence on imported rice. “It could also contribute to the local economy by increasing rice availability and offering an alternative staple for the community,” she said.

Damber Singh Mongar, Senior Extension Supervisor, explained, “Babana was chosen for this trial due to farmers’ interest in rice cultivation. Unlike other chiwogs, it has a temperate climate, and upland rice is a climate-resilient option suited for high-altitude areas with water scarcity. This initiative aims to enhance food security and reduce rice imports.”

The revival of upland rice cultivation in Bhutan- from early trials in Kanglung and Mongar to its current expansion across six Dzongkhags- demonstrates its potential in addressing food security challenges. With its lower water requirements and reduced methane emissions, upland rice is emerging as an environmentally sustainable alternative to irrigated rice. If scaled effectively, it can strengthen Bhutan’s agricultural resilience, reduce import dependency, and support the preservation of traditional farming practices.