Gakiling Gewog Starts Coffee Plantation To Expand Agricultural Opportunities

…𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 2,000 𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔

By Kinzang Lhamo

Gakiling Gewog has initiated its first coffee plantation in Sektena as part of efforts to diversify crops and create sustainable income sources. Supported by the Haa Dzongkhag Administration, the project is currently on a trial basis and marks a new direction for the gewog in cultivating high-value crops.

The plantation involves planting 2,000 coffee saplings by eight members of the Gongdokha Unity Group. The initiative is coordinated by the Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer and receives technical and material support from the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office. The saplings were sourced from Zhemgang Dzongkhag. Sektena lies at an altitude of about 1100 meters above sea level, which is within a viable range for coffee cultivation despite optimal conditions being between 1300 and 1500 meters.

“The coffee plantation will serve as an alternative source of income for the farmers,” said Chimi Wangchuk, Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer. “Although coffee generally thrives between 1300 and 1500 meters, it can grow from sea level to 2800 meters. Sektena, at around 1100 meters, falls within a viable range. This initiative was launched under the guidance of Dasho Dzongdag Melam Zangpo and myself after recognizing the potential of the area.”

Wangchuk added that a Standard Operating Procedure has been developed for the group. Support after planting will include monitoring plant mortality, guidance on harvesting, and assistance in establishing market connections with Mountain Coffee in Paro. The group primarily comprises school dropouts interested in coffee farming as a supplementary activity. The Dzongkhag has pledged ongoing support, including supplying saplings, fencing materials, pest control assistance, orchard management, and land processing under User Right Certification.

“From this year onward, we plan to promote coffee plantation as an annual program,” Wangchuk said. “We initially targeted five acres, but due to limited sapling availability, we planted 1.5 acres with 2,000 coffee plants.”
Gup Wang Tshering of Gakiling Gewog highlighted logistical challenges due to the gewog’s remoteness. “Road connectivity remains our top priority,” he said. “For the coffee plantation project, we sought support from the Dzongkhag Administration since Gakiling has favorable weather conditions. With backing from Dasho Dzongda and the Agriculture Section, we received about 2,000 saplings now planted at Sektena.”

Trial plantations on a smaller scale are also being initiated in other chiwogs. If the current trial succeeds, wider cultivation will be encouraged with external support or block grant funding.

“Considering market potential and income prospects, we are exploring expansion,” Wang said. “A group has been formed by the Extension Officer to oversee the plantation, and further project support is on the way. We have also requested help from the Dzongkhag to connect with coffee companies.”

Farmers involved shared mixed but hopeful views. “Along with coffee, I grow oranges and cardamom,” said Budi Lal, a participant. “This opportunity means a lot as it’s our first time trying coffee. Clearing bushes was the biggest challenge, and with the monsoon coming, it may get harder.”

He noted concerns raised during early meetings, especially about pest control and support. “We were told if there is any pest issue, help with chemicals would be available, though we must pay ourselves. They assured market access would not be a problem. Financial support from the dzongkhag gives us confidence.”

“Since this is the first time, I am not sure if it will benefit us,” said Bidu Maya Rai. “But I believe it will work if we continue to put in the effort.” She added that official guidance throughout the process has boosted her confidence.
Purna Maya mentioned timing challenges. “We started late and cleared only half the land due to uncertainty about cultivation methods. It was raining and sunny, making the soil hot. I worried the plants might not survive.”

Despite early concerns, the group remains committed. “We continue working hard with hope,” she said. “We believe this will succeed and are putting our effort into it.”

This initial coffee plantation in Gakiling could serve as a model for other remote areas in Bhutan. With continued support, monitoring, and market links, the gewog is optimistic about developing coffee as a profitable, long-term venture that supports youth and rural livelihoods. Success here could promote agricultural diversification, reduce economic risks, and create sustainable income streams for communities across Haa Dzongkhag.