𝐍𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝟑𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐌𝐓 𝐎𝐟 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐬

…𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒉𝒚𝒕𝒐𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒄𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒔

By Leki Chungdon

Bhutan exported a total of 31,869.7 metric tonnes of fresh agricultural produce over the past 11 months, reflecting steady performance across key commodities and sustained demand in regional and international markets. The exports were supported by improved traceability systems, strengthened institutional coordination, and expanding market access, according to officials.

Data compiled by the Market Information and Research Division under the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC ) shows that the export figures are based on consolidated records from phytosanitary certificates issued in collaboration with the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority. Officials said the system has strengthened traceability and improved the accuracy of export data, enabling closer monitoring of export volumes and destinations.
In the past month alone, Bhutan exported 1.8 metric tonnes of avocado from Gelephu to Bangladesh and 1.6 metric tonnes of soybeans from Samdrup Jongkhar to India. Officials said the shipments indicate growing interest in niche and emerging crops beyond the country’s traditional export items.

Potatoes continue to dominate the nation’s fresh produce export basket. A total of 18,720.2 metric tonnes have been exported so far this year, accounting for nearly 75 percent of the country’s total potato production. The volume has already surpassed exports recorded during the same period last year, highlighting strong cross border demand.

Orange exports, which usually peak between November and February, have also begun to gain momentum. In the past month, 8.9 metric tonnes were exported, with traders expecting higher volumes in the coming weeks as harvesting intensifies.

High value forest based products also maintained a strong presence in premium international markets. More than 50 kilograms of Cordyceps were exported to destinations including France, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and the United States. In addition, 1,500 kilograms of Matsutake mushrooms were shipped to Japan, reinforcing Bhutan’s reputation for high quality wild foraged products.

Officials from the Department of Trade said the consistent export performance reflects improving market access, better coordination among agencies, and growing confidence in Bhutanese agricultural products. They added that efforts will continue to diversify export commodities while strengthening quality assurance and market linkages to sustain growth in the sector.

An official from the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) said the Authority plays a central role in facilitating agricultural exports by ensuring full compliance with the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of importing countries through rigorous inspection, testing, and certification processes. These measures are designed to safeguard food safety, prevent the spread of quarantine pests and diseases, and promote safe, fair, and internationally accepted trade.

According to the official, BFDA issues phytosanitary certificates for the export of plants and plant products only after thorough inspection of consignments to confirm that they are free from quarantine pests and regulated diseases. The specific phytosanitary requirements applied during inspection vary depending on the importing country, as well as the level of risk associated with particular pests. As a result, inspections are conducted strictly in accordance with the import conditions set by the destination country before certificates are issued to facilitate export and cross border trade.

The official noted that BFDA follows internationally recognised frameworks, including the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, particularly ISPM 7 and ISPM 12, which are accepted by all contracting parties of the International Plant Protection Convention. Adherence to these standards helps ensure consistency, transparency, and smooth movement of agricultural products in international markets.

To strengthen laboratory testing and inspection capacity for agricultural exports, BFDA has put several measures in place. With financial and technical support from the Royal Government of Bhutan and development partners, the National Food Testing Laboratory has expanded both its testing services and analytical scope. To ensure international acceptance of its test reports, the laboratory has been accredited in accordance with ISO IEC 17025 by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories of India.

In the current fiscal year, the National Food Testing Laboratory has been further upgraded with advanced analytical equipment, including Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. These technologies enable high end analysis, particularly for detecting pesticide residues and other contaminants that are increasingly required by importing countries.

In cases where certain tests cannot be conducted domestically, BFDA ensures compliance by coordinating testing through recognised referral laboratories abroad. The official added that BFDA has introduced a laboratory recognition scheme that allows private or other laboratories to apply for official notification as testing facilities, provided they meet defined competency requirements. This initiative is intended to expand national testing capacity while maintaining quality and reliability.

BFDA’s inspection services are also aligned with ISO IEC 17020 standards, with plans underway to expand the scope of inspection accreditation. This alignment is expected to enhance the credibility and wider acceptance of BFDA inspection reports among trading partner countries.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, BFDA has initiated the registration of exporters, export facilitation centres, and merchant exporters. This system of official control is aimed at strengthening oversight of food businesses involved in export while simultaneously streamlining procedures and supporting trade facilitation.

The technical competence of BFDA inspectors and laboratory personnel is continually strengthened through targeted training programmes, after which they are formally authorised to carry out sampling, inspection, and testing. Phytosanitary certificates are issued based on the import requirements of destination countries and are only granted following physical inspection of export consignments.

Each certificate bears the official signature and seal of the issuing BFDA office, and consignments are secured with a BFDA stamp or tamper proof sticker to ensure integrity during transit. With offices located across the country, BFDA remains accessible to exporters nationwide. Through its inspection, testing, and certification services, the Authority continues to support compliance with international food safety standards and facilitate the export of Bhutanese agricultural products. In addition, BFDA also provides third party certification services based on specific client requests and market requirements.

An official from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives said the steady export performance of the country’s fresh agricultural produce over the past 11 months has been driven primarily by favourable market conditions in India, smooth cross border trade, and the effectiveness of existing bilateral trade arrangements. According to the official, exports to India have continued without major disruptions, providing a stable and reliable market for Bhutanese agricultural commodities.

The official highlighted that improved consolidation of export records, particularly through the issuance of phytosanitary certificates, has significantly strengthened trade monitoring and market access. In close collaboration with BFDA, daily updates of phytosanitary certificate entries have enabled DAMC to closely track which agricultural products are being exported, in what quantities, and through which export gateways. This system has enhanced transparency and provided valuable real time data for export planning and policy decisions.

While potatoes and oranges continue to dominate the export basket, the official noted that the country has also exported a range of other agricultural commodities in smaller volumes. DAMC is now working towards diversifying the country’s export portfolio to reduce dependence on a limited number of products and to build resilience in the agricultural export sector.

Plans are underway to promote additional high value and niche commodities with strong market potential. To support farmers, cooperatives, and producer groups in accessing international markets, DAMC facilitates testing and certification processes required to meet international quality and food safety standards. The department also plays a key role in linking producers with potential buyers, whenever feasible, to strengthen market connections and improve price realisation for farmers.

Looking ahead, DAMC is targeting the expansion of the country’s agricultural exports beyond the traditional Indian market. The department is actively exploring opportunities in emerging and premium markets, including Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, and Kuwait. According to the official, these markets present potential for higher value exports, provided Bhutanese producers can meet the required quality, safety, and consistency standards.

At the local level, vegetable vendors say demand for domestically produced crops remains strong, reflecting the broader confidence in Bhutanese agricultural products. Januki Darlam, a vegetable vendor, said winter is one of the busiest seasons for her business, with strong demand for locally produced mushrooms and fresh vegetables. On average, she sells between 20 and 30 kilograms of mushrooms each day during the winter months, priced at Nu 200 per kilogram. In addition to mushrooms, she also trades in a wide range of seasonal vegetables, including beans, potatoes, cauliflower, chillies, and broccoli, catering to regular customers in the local market.

Another vegetable vendor, Phub Dorji, said his business focuses primarily on locally grown produce supplied by farmers’ groups. He sells vegetables such as radish, potatoes, spinach, chillies, and broccoli, and supplies bulk orders to schools as well as markets in Thimphu, Gelephu, and other locations. According to him, the steady demand from institutional buyers and urban markets enables him to earn between Nu 100,000 and Nu 300,000 per month.

Phub Dorji added that, encouraged by growing demand and improved market linkages, his vegetable farmers’ group is now planning to scale up production and explore export opportunities. He said expanding into external markets could help farmers secure better prices, reduce post harvest losses, and create more stable income opportunities for rural producers.