𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐭𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧

…𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒋𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒅𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕

By Kinzang Lhamo

Citrus production in Samtse Dzongkhag has seen a sharp and concerning decline in recent years, with export volumes dropping dramatically from over 500 truckloads annually to a mere 18. This steep decrease has raised alarm among local farmers, community leaders, and government officials, who recognize the profound economic and social implications for the region. Citrus farming, once a cornerstone of Samtse’s agricultural economy and a key source of income for many households, now faces severe challenges threatening its sustainability.

The decline was brought to the forefront during a recent session of the National Assembly, when the Member from Dophuchen-Tading Constituency formally raised questions directed at the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock. The Member sought to understand the specific causes behind the significant drop in citrus production and asked whether the Ministry had undertaken any systematic studies or research to identify the root problems. Furthermore, the Member pressed for details about the Ministry’s plans to revive and sustain citrus cultivation, especially in those parts of Samtse identified as agro-climatically suitable for such farming.

In response, Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, acknowledged the severe downturn that has affected citrus output since the early 2000s. He explained that the primary reasons behind this decline are the widespread incidence of Citrus Greening Disease, scientifically known as Huanglongbing (HLB), and the aging of citrus orchards that have outlived their productive lifespan. “Citrus has historically been a vital contributor to country’s economy and the livelihoods of many farmers, but these two factors have substantially diminished yields over the years,” Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho stated.

To address these critical challenges, the Ministry has initiated several intervention programs. These include the introduction and distribution of climate-resilient citrus seedlings designed to withstand adverse environmental conditions and resist disease. The Ministry is also supporting growers through projects such as the Building Resillient Commercial Smallholder Agriculture (BRECSA), which is actively operating in several dzongkhags, including Sarpang, Trongsa, Tsirang, and Zhemgang. This project focuses on developing disease-resistant citrus varieties and promoting best practices in orchard management to help farmers improve productivity and sustainability. “We remain committed to ongoing study, close monitoring, and comprehensive support to restore and sustain the citrus sector,” the Minister added.

Despite these promising efforts, farmers in Samtse continue to face significant obstacles in their cultivation efforts. Tek Bdr. Gurung, the Tendu Tshogpa, shared his firsthand concerns regarding the drastic decline in the number of households engaged in citrus farming within their community. Whereas many families previously cultivated citrus, this number has now dropped to around 10 households. Tek Bdr. Gurung attributed part of this decline to excessive and sometimes improper pesticide use, which has compounded pest and disease problems rather than alleviating them. He described the reduction as deeply felt across the community, since citrus farming was once a vital and stable source of income and livelihood for many families.

Recognizing these challenges, the dzongkhag administration has actively stepped in to assist farmers by supplying climate-resilient seedlings. They have also been conducting awareness programs aimed at educating farmers on improved cultivation techniques, integrated pest management, and safe pesticide application to reduce harmful environmental and health impacts. Tek Bdr. Gurung expressed hope that with sustained government support, proper guidance, and continued farmer education, citrus farming could gradually be revived, allowing it to reclaim its important role in the local economy and help stabilize household incomes.

Further insights were shared by Sanjog Khaling, Gup of Tashicholing Gewog, who identified pests, diseases, and climate change as the main factors accelerating the decline of citrus cultivation in their area. He noted that citrus trees were previously cultivated widely across various parts of Tashicholing, including lower-altitude zones. However, shifting climate patterns have made it increasingly difficult to sustain these crops, with trees dying prematurely within 3 to 4 years. Additionally, pest infestation causes infected fruits to fall prematurely, reducing overall yield and quality. Currently, about 30 households in Tashicholing continue to grow citrus, though they face ongoing challenges related to pests and environmental conditions.

The five gewogs in Samtse where citrus cultivation still takes place are Namgyelcholing, Norgaygang, Pemaling, Tendu, and Tashicholing. Each of these areas experiences distinct challenges, ranging from pest infestations and diseases to shifting climate conditions that require tailored and localized approaches for the sector’s revival.

From Tarkothang village, Ran Bahadur Gurung, the Tshogpa, shared his perspective on citrus farming in his community. Approximately 7 to 8 households are still actively engaged in growing citrus fruits. Unlike some other areas, the farmers in Tarkothang benefit from secured contracts that provide a stable market for their produce, helping alleviate some concerns around marketing and sales. However, pest infestations remain the primary threat, severely impacting the health of their orchards and the quantity and quality of fruit harvests.

While the dzongkhag administration offers guidance and some assistance in managing pests, farmers must still bear the financial burden of purchasing pesticides themselves, which adds pressure on their limited resources. “Our community depends heavily on citrus farming, but pests and diseases continue to threaten our orchards,” Ran Bahadur Gurung said. “Without affordable pest control and ongoing technical support, it is very difficult to sustain production. We hope the government will increase its assistance, so we can protect our crops and secure better livelihoods for our families.”

This appeal highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response involving the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the dzongkhag administration, and the farming communities. Ensuring farmers’ access to affordable agricultural inputs, improved technical knowledge, and resilient planting materials is essential to reversing the current decline and restoring the sector’s vitality.

In line with this, the Ministry has pledged to enhance support through intensified research, broader distribution of disease-resistant seedlings, and comprehensive farmer training programs that emphasize integrated pest management practices. Ongoing monitoring and field surveys are planned to detect emerging threats early and guide adaptive strategies.

Reviving citrus production in Samtse is critical not only for the economic wellbeing of local farmers and their families but also for Bhutan’s broader agricultural economy. With sustained government commitment, active community engagement, and effective support systems in place, there is hope that Samtse’s citrus orchards can once again flourish, bringing back a vital source of income and employment and securing the future of this important agricultural sector.