𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝟐𝟎,𝟔𝟓𝟐 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬

…𝒑𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒐, 𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒚’𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔

By Kezang Choden

According to the Market Information and Research Division (MIRD), Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperation (DAMC), Bhutan exported more than 20,652 metric tonnes of primary agricultural produce between January and August 2025. Potato, orange, and ginger emerged as the leading export commodities.
Potato topped the chart with 10,144.6 metric tonnes, all exported to India. Orange followed with 6,200.4 metric tonnes, mainly sent to Bangladesh and India. Ginger also performed strongly with 1,211.1 metric tonnes, remaining one of Bhutan’s most important exports.

Cabbage and cardamom contributed significantly to the export basket, recording 1,006.9 metric tonnes and 656.1 metric tonnes respectively. Apple and arecanut showed steady figures, with 549.9 metric tonnes of apple and 558.1 metric tonnes of arecanut exported, primarily to India and Bangladesh. Carrot exports reached 213.8 metric tonnes, while kidney beans stood at 17.4 metric tonnes.

Smaller but valuable exports were also recorded. Cordyceps, a high-value product, reached premium markets in Hong Kong, the USA, and Vietnam, although the volume was limited to 0.032 metric tonnes. Matsutake mushroom accounted for 0.5 metric tonnes, exported to Japan. Other products such as plum (6.1 metric tonnes), peach (0.3 metric tonnes), radish (2.2 metric tonnes), turmeric (0.5 metric tonnes), and turnip (2.8 metric tonnes) added diversity to Bhutan’s export profile.

India remained Bhutan’s dominant trading partner, receiving most commodities including potato, cabbage, ginger, apple, carrot, and kidney beans. Bangladesh emerged as another major destination, particularly for orange, cardamom, and arecanut. Smaller markets included Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, the USA, and Vietnam. The overall figures reflect Bhutan’s growing agricultural trade, supporting rural livelihoods and strengthening regional trade ties.

Sangay Thinley, Head of the Agriculture Marketing Facilitation Office in Phuntsholing, reported that Bhutan exported a total of 20,652 metric tonnes of vegetables, spices, and fruits over the past eight months. He noted that most consignments were directed to India, followed by Bangladesh. A notable highlight was the surge in apple exports, which jumped to 522.9 metric tonnes in August compared to 27.02 metric tonnes in July. This marks a significant improvement in the country’s fruit export performance.

However, August did not record any exports of arecanut or cordyceps, commodities that usually contribute to trade volume. Despite this, the agriculture sector saw a new development. For the first time this year, 9.33 metric tonnes of big chilli were exported through the Phuntsholing gateway, opening new prospects for vegetable trade. Officials view the steady rise in agricultural exports as a positive sign of Bhutan’s strengthening market linkages and the growing potential of its farm produce in regional and international markets.

Lam Dorji, a resident of Sephu Gewog under Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag and a businessman engaged in the cordyceps trade, expressed concern over declining business in recent years. He shared that he had been exporting cordyceps for more than three years and that the trade was doing well until two years ago. This year, however, the business suffered a sharp drop, particularly in prices.

Highlighting the challenges faced by local traders, Lam Dorji urged the government to extend greater support to the cordyceps sector. He called on the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) to allow local handicraft shops to sell Bhutanese cordyceps products instead of relying on imports. He stressed that such measures would help boost local trade and ensure Bhutanese products are given priority in the domestic market.

He further emphasized the need for strict monitoring and checks to prevent imported substitutes from overshadowing locally harvested cordyceps. Strengthening domestic marketing opportunities while safeguarding the authenticity of Bhutanese cordyceps, he said, would help farmers and traders and protect the country’s reputation in international markets.

Jaku Tshering, a resident of Lungnyi Gewog under Paro Dzongkhag, shared his satisfaction with the income earned from apple farming this year. In his 25 years of farming experience, he said this season has been among the most rewarding. On his 1.5 acres of land, he has cultivated 256 apple trees. This year, he successfully exported 300 boxes of apples, marking a notable improvement in yield and market opportunities.

He stated that favorable production and strong demand helped secure better returns than in previous years. Encouraged by this success, Jaku Tshering plans to expand his orchard and invest more effort in apple cultivation. He believes that with proper care, apple farming has the potential to provide a reliable source of income and sustain livelihoods. His achievement highlights growing opportunities in Bhutan’s fruit export sector, motivating farmers to improve production and contribute to the agricultural economy.

Farmers growing chillies, especially the larger varieties, are preparing to increase exports and earn better income. Many expressed hope that their produce will no longer go to waste, as growing export opportunities promise a secure market. Farmers remain optimistic that with dedicated effort and proper market access, chilli exports will continue to grow, ensuring both financial stability and recognition for their produce.