𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐩𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬

…𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚

By Sonam Choden

Bhutan’s farms are producing more than ever. Cereal output reached 72,177 metric tonnes in 2024, an increase of nearly five percent from the previous year. Milk production rose to 44,038 metric tonnes, while butter and cheese output remained steady. These figures reflect resilience and improved farming practices. Yet they also raise an important question: who will sustain this work in the future?

The 2025 Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census, released by the National Statistics Bureau, shows a sector that is both growing and vulnerable. There are more than 70,000 agricultural holdings, with over 99 percent managed by individual households. Smallholders remain the backbone of the country’s food system, but the farming population is aging. People aged 60 and above accounted for 9.5 percent of the population in 2022, a figure projected to nearly double by 2047. Those aged 65 and above are expected to increase from 6.6 percent to 13.4 percent. At the same time, fertility rates have fallen to 1.4 children per woman, below replacement level.

These demographic trends raise concerns about the sustainability of the working-age population, especially in sectors that rely on labor-intensive participation. Agriculture continues to be the largest employer, providing livelihoods for 43.5 percent of the workforce. Yet young people are increasingly turning to other sectors. Youth unemployment stands at 17.3 percent, six times the national average, with those aged 15 to 24 making up more than half of the unemployed. The service sector now employs 41.4 percent of the labor force. This shift could affect rural livelihoods, food self-reliance, and Bhutan’s long-term food security.

“I studied hard to get a degree, and now I am just sitting at home,” says 24-year-old Tshering Zangmo. “My parents keep asking me to help on the farm, but I did not go to college just to return to the fields.” Similarly, Tshering Lhendup explains, “I want a stable career where I can grow professionally. Farming does not offer that.” Tashi Norbu observes, “Everyone I know is moving to Thimphu or abroad. Nobody wants to stay and farm. There is just no life for us in the villages.”

The Thirteenth Five-Year Plan seeks to reverse this trend. Mechanization and modern technologies are central to the strategy. Over 400 mini-tillers have been distributed across six eastern Dzongkhags, while automated protected agriculture and hydroponic systems are being piloted to attract young farmers. Commercial chirup farms operated by trained youth, known as Dessuup, are emerging as models of modern, entrepreneurial agriculture.

Financial incentives and safety nets form another component of government support. To assist youth and farmers in establishing and expanding agri-enterprises, the government has allocated Nu. 1 billion under the Economic Stimulus Plan in mortgage-free concessional loans. Younten Phuntsho, Minister for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, noted that, “Given the vulnerability of agriculture to climate change and human-wildlife conflict, the government has approved the introduction of crop and livestock insurance schemes, which are expected to be rolled out within the current fiscal year.” He added, “A price guarantee scheme has also been introduced for key commodities such as rice, maize, wheat, quinoa, soybean, peanut, chicken, fish, and pork. This initiative is intended to stabilize farm incomes and reduce marketing risks by ensuring assured pricing for producers.”

The government is also investing in skills development and capacity building. The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is implementing training programs to equip youth with technical, entrepreneurial, and managerial skills needed for success in agri-food value chains.

Recognizing the limitations imposed by Bhutan’s topography, which restrict large-scale mechanization, the plan emphasizes cultivation of high-value, export-oriented commodities. This strategic shift is intended to increase income potential and attract youth to areas of agriculture that offer better returns and market access.

The findings of the census highlight a sector achieving record food production while facing demographic challenges. While output is increasing, the human foundation of Bhutanese agriculture is aging and diminishing. Ensuring that a new generation is prepared to take over farming is essential to sustaining agricultural progress and long-term food security.