The Economic Stimulus Program (ESP) worth Nu 15 Billion, introduced for post-pandemic economic recovery, was heralded as a lifeline for domestic production, employment generation, and bolstering foreign currency reserves. However, while its objectives are laudable, its execution has laid bare systemic inefficiencies that hinder its transformative potential, particularly for the private sector. One of the most significant hurdles facing businesses …

…𝑺𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 By Lalit Gurung The aggregation program launched by the Farm Machinery Corporation Limited (FMCL) targets 1,735 metric tonnes of essential crops which includes 1,000 metric tonnes of maize, 700 metric tonnes of paddy, 30 metric tonnes of wheat, and 5 metric tonnes of quinoa. This initiative is playing a pivotal role in enhancing food security and …

It is astonishing that in today’s world, projects still fail due to inadequate monitoring. The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) recently highlighted on the BBS News that numerous ongoing projects in Bhutan are not being carried out properly. This is primarily due to the lack of timely oversight by internal auditors and departmental management. By now, Bhutan should have already activated …

…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 …

…𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒑 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒐𝒂𝒓 By Lhendup WangmoCardamom cultivation in Samkhar Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag has become a major income generator for the local community. Villagers, who once relied on traditional farming practices, are now benefiting from the lucrative cardamom market. This spice, known for its high value, has become a vital source of livelihood, with many households …

…𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚-𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒓𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 By Tshering Yangden Haa Dzongkhag, in collaboration with Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Bhutan, conducted 15-days Souvenir Development Training Program aimed at empowering local communities and fostering economic growth within the region. The program equipped participants with essential skills to create unique, locally made souvenirs to promote Haa’s cultural heritage …

The Gyalsung program, initiated under the visionary leadership of His Majesty The King, represents a transformative milestone in Bhutan’s journey towards national unity, discipline, and a prosperous future. The success of the first cohort of Gyalsups has set a commendable precedent, earning praise from His Majesty and admiration from citizens across the nation. As we celebrate their achievements, it is …

By Lalit Gurung Gender-based violence within Bhutan’s Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community is a critical issue that has often been overlooked. According to Pride Bhutan, an LGBTQ+ organization, among the 353 registered members, 11 percent reported experiencing bullying, 38 percent faced stigma, 36 percent encountered discrimination, and 8 percent had been subjected to some form of violence. …

By Bikash Mishra Rinzin Norbu, a 23-year-old para-athlete, is redefining the limits of possibility as a national table tennis player and an advocate for inclusion and resilience in Bhutan. With pride, he identifies as both a sportsperson under the Bhutan Table Tennis Federation and a recent graduate of Royal Thimphu College, where he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce in …

By Tshering Yangden A three-day oyster mushroom cultivation training was recently held in Gomdar Gewog, Samdrupjongkhar Dzongkhag. Organized by the Barzor Vegetable Group of Bazor Village in collaboration with Samsara Farming, the training aimed to equip local farmers with the skills needed to venture into sustainable farming practices. Despite financial constraints, the Barzor Vegetable Group independently organized and funded the …