𝐍𝐮𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐃𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐠

…𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑸𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒐𝒂 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑵𝒂𝒚𝒆𝒌𝒉𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑮𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒌𝒉𝒂

By Kezang Choden

Geling Gewog’s farmers, who have cultivated and harvested quinoa on a trial basis. They expressed optimism about its potential to enhance local food production. The initiative involved 281 farmers who collectively cultivated over 70 acres of farmland in Chukha Dzongkhag.

These efforts aim to demonstrate quinoa’s adaptability to Bhutan’s agro-climatic conditions and its capacity to thrive as a nutrient-dense crop. According to agricultural experts, if the trial proves successful, the large-scale cultivation of quinoa could transform livelihoods in the region. Farmers could benefit from higher income opportunities while contributing to the nation’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported food products.

In a bid to enhance food and nutrition security, Chukha Dzongkhag, in collaboration with the National Plant Protection Center of the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Bhutan, organized one-day farmer’s field day at Gelingkha village in Geling Gewog.

Supported by the FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contribution (FVC) Project, the event was themed “Eat Quinoa for Food and Nutrition Security.” It highlighted the potential of quinoa cultivation as a sustainable solution to improve dietary diversity and strengthen agricultural resilience in Bhutan.

The program showcased the success of quinoa cultivation trials conducted in the Gewog, encouraging farmers to adopt quinoa as a staple in their daily diets. Participants were guided by experts from the Department of Agriculture and FAO Bhutan, who provided insights into effective farming techniques, post-harvest management, and the nutritional benefits of quinoa.

Quinoa cultivation in the temperate regions of Nayekha, Gelingkha, and Gegyon under Geling Gewog has marked a significant milestone, according to Pema Lhaden, the Agriculture Extension Officer of Geling Gewog. In 2024, quinoa was successfully grown for the first time in these areas, involving over 12 households and covering 12 acres of land. The cultivation began in the third week of July, and harvesting was completed by November, yielding an average of 650 kilograms per acre.

To celebrate this achievement, a field day program was organized, featuring a training session on quinoa recipe preparation to introduce diverse culinary uses and encourage tasting experiences among the community. Quinoa cultivation programs are now being expanded across all gewogs in Chukha Dzongkhag, targeting both temperate and subtropical regions.

Speaking about the initiative, Pema Lhaden noted that the quinoa field day in Gelingkha was particularly significant as it supported the Gungtong returnee program. This ongoing dzongkhag initiative, running for the past four years, aims to encourage resettlement and improve livelihoods for families returning to their villages.

Looking ahead, Geling Gewog, in consultation with the National Center for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), plans to scale up quinoa cultivation in the coming seasons. The Gewog aims to double or even triple production, promoting quinoa as a sustainable agricultural product while enhancing farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.

Chencho Dorji, the Mangmi of Geling Gewog, announced a significant milestone for the community as it embarks on quinoa cultivation for the first time. The initiative, which began as a trial project earlier this year, has exceeded expectations, delivering an unexpectedly high yield that has inspired farmers to expand their efforts. “This is our first year cultivating quinoa, and the results have been remarkable,” said Chencho Dorji.

“The trial was a learning experience for everyone, and the success of the harvest has motivated us to think bigger,” added Chencho Dorji.

Farmers initially approached the trial with caution, uncertain about the crop’s adaptability to local conditions. However, the impressive outcome has not only boosted their confidence but also sparked a collective ambition to scale up production. Plans are now underway to expand the quinoa cultivation area to 70 acres in the coming year, marking a substantial increase from the initial trial plot.

The expansion is expected to bring multiple benefits to the Gewog. Quinoa, a highly nutritious grain recognized for its resilience to varying climatic conditions, has the potential to diversify local agricultural practices and enhance food security. Its rising global demand also presents opportunities for income generation and market integration for the farmers of Geling Gewog. Chencho Dorji expressed optimism about the future of quinoa cultivation in the region. “The success of this trial has demonstrated the potential of quinoa as a sustainable crop for our community. We are now determined to scale up and make it a significant part of our agricultural landscape.”

As Geling Gewog moves forward with its plans, collaboration and support from agricultural experts and local authorities will be essential to ensure the successful expansion of quinoa farming. Farmers are eager to build on this year’s achievements, hoping to establish Geling Gewog as a leader in quinoa production in the region. The initiative reflects the Gewog’s commitment to exploring innovative farming practices to improve livelihoods and ensure food sustainability in the face of evolving agricultural challenges.

Lhamkim, a resident of Gelingkha village under Geling Gewog, embarked on quinoa cultivation for the first time this year as part of an initiative led by Chukha Dzongkhag to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security. After a successful harvest, she expressed satisfaction with the results and emphasized the crop’s potential to enhance nutritional security and reduce dependency on imported quinoa.

Quinoa, often referred to as a “superfood,” is rich in essential nutrients and provides a healthy option for daily diets. Lhamkim remarked on the benefits of the crop, noting that it aligns with Bhutan’s efforts to improve self-reliance in food production. The initiative reflects the dzongkhag’s broader vision to diversify agricultural practices and empower rural communities through sustainable farming.

Although she did not participate in the initial trial phase, Lhamkim was inspired to take up quinoa cultivation after witnessing the success of other farmers in her village. Motivated by their experience, she decided to register approximately 60 decimals of her farmland for the next planting season. “I was hesitant at first and didn’t join the trial phase, but seeing the good yield and the potential for income generation, I decided to give it a try. This harvest has shown me that quinoa is not only nutritious but also a viable option to improve our livelihoods,” she said.

Nayekha village under Geling Gewog is witnessing a quiet agricultural revolution, with farmers like Wangdi turning to quinoa cultivation as a promising venture. A resident of the village and a hardworking farmer, Wangdi believes that dedication and labour define the life of a farmer. In his words, “Hard work is what counts in farming, and quinoa has proven to be one of the easiest crops to cultivate compared to other crops I have grown.”

Quinoa, often referred to as a superfood for its nutritional value, is gaining traction among local farmers for its resilience and relatively simple cultivation process. Wangdi initially began by cultivating quinoa on 50 decimals of his farmland as a trial. Encouraged by the positive results and ease of management, he now plans to expand his cultivation to two acres.

Wangdi expressed optimism about the potential returns from this expansion. “I expect to earn a good income from the increased production and am also planning to supply quinoa to other dzongkhags in the future,” he said. His ambition reflects the growing awareness among farmers about the market potential of high-value crops like quinoa.
If more farmers follow suit, quinoa could become a significant crop in Bhutan’s agricultural landscape, contributing to the nation’s goals of self-reliance and sustainable farming practices.