𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐥𝐧𝐮𝐭 𝐘𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒆𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝑺𝒐𝒂𝒓 𝒊𝒏 2025

By Yeshey Lhadon

Mountain Hazelnuts (MH) reported a total yield of 10.4 tonnes, nearly double the 5.5 tonnes harvested in 2023 marking a significant milestone in the country’s hazelnut cultivation efforts, which continue to expand and thrive across various regions.

Among the leading dzongkhags, Lhuentse emerged as the top supplier for the first time, contributing 2,303 kg to the overall yield. It was followed closely by Mongar, with 2,255 kg, and Trashi Yangtse, which accounted for 2,143 kg. This year also saw remarkable individual achievements, such as Mani Norbu of Trashi Yangtse, who harvested nearly 300 kg of hazelnuts, a dramatic leap from his modest 26 kg harvest last year.

For several growers, 2024 marked their first-ever hazelnut harvest, including farmers in Dagana and other dzongkhags. Choten, a grower from Radhi, Trashigang expressed excitement about his orchard’s potential after harvesting 30 kg of hazelnuts this year. “After more than a decade of waiting, this harvest has motivated me to manage my orchard better. I am hopeful to double my yield next year,” he said.

Dr. Sean Watson, CEO of Mountain Hazelnuts, praised the progress achieved in 2024, highlighting the company’s commitment to long-term growth. “The doubling of the hazelnut harvest and the confirmatory fruiting on maturing 2022 grafts demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach. With the variety mix now working, harvests and income for growers will continue to increase each year,” he said.

In addition to a record harvest, Mountain Hazelnuts has announced a significant price increase for 2025 to further support its grower partners. This year, growers were paid Nu100 per kilogram for quality hazelnuts, which included a Nu 49.84 bonus on top of the guaranteed floor price of Nu.50.16 per kilogram. In 2025, the guaranteed floor price will rise to Nu 59 per kilogram, while the bonus will be doubled, bringing the total price paid to growers to Nu 150 per kilogram.

The floor price, established in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, ensures that growers are protected from market fluctuations, with Mountain Hazelnuts taking on the risks. This model aims to provide financial stability for growers as their yields continue to grow. The company has also committed to raising the floor price again in 2026, to Nu 67 per kilogram.

The doubling of Bhutan’s hazelnut yield reflects the increasing potential of the crop to contribute significantly to rural livelihoods and economic development. With promising projections for future harvests and growing support from Mountain Hazelnuts, farmers across Bhutan are optimistic about the opportunities ahead.