Agriculture in Bhutan
However, rituals and events associated in Bhutanese astrology provide cultural evidence to longstanding agrarian practices in the society.
[6] Despite this, Bhutan's medieval agrarian history can be traced through the biographies of Buddhist saints during the 8-9th century providing some evidence that agriculture was already a mainstay by then.
[4] It is quite likely that agricultural practices especially cultivation of rice, maize, and millet reached Bhutan through southern China and Northeast India.
It set up a number of model farms, seed multiplication facilities, agricultural research stations, and a network of extension workers.
In addition, a horticulture research station was built at Yusipang which facilitated orchards at Gasa and Bumthang.
[6] George Bogle seems to have planted potato as he traveled from Buxa Duar through Chapcha Gewog to Thimphu in 1774.
After reaching Jaigugu, Bogle reported, "I planted ten potatoes" in an area that must have been about a mile from Pachu–Chinchu (Thimchu) in 1774.
He also reports planting 15 potatoes on arrival at Muri-jong (which Turner called Murichom), which was 18 miles from Chukha District.
[6] The tuber grew fairly easily and the Bhutanese took an immediate liking to it, so that in 1776 the Dzongpon of Punakha even asked Bogle to send more as they had eaten the whole harvest without saving any seeds.
[16] The grass fallow system, locally known as pangshing, is practised at elevations ranging from 2500-400m above sea level.
Soil in these areas is generally derived from coarse grained granite gneiss and is poor in phosphate while being rich in potassium.
[16] Increasing population pressure, new rules and regulation limiting access to land, higher economic expectations, rising labour costs, and gradual change from sustenance farming to market-oriented cultivation are viewed as reasons for changing agrarian practices in the country.
Apart from paddy, other crops like wheat, barley, oil seeds, potato and different vegetables are also cultivated in these lands.
[17] Forests in the nation act as the source of livestock fodder and organic materials for the purpose of development of fertility.
Agriculture is hampered due to irrigation problem,[17] rough terrain, poor soil quality and limited number of arable lands.
[17] The agricultural sector have experienced development especially in the following projects: Production of cash crops, such as apple, orange and cardamom, have increased and have become profitable.
[17] In 2013 the government announced that Bhutan will become the first country in the world with 100 percent organic farming[19] and started a program for qualification.
[12] In the uplands where water scarcity is increasingly affecting farm output, farmers are switching back to traditional rice varieties known in the local language as Yangkum, Jama, Janaap, and Jakaap.
