Location: Punakha & Wangdue Phodrang
Sector: Climate-Smart Agriculture & Market Linkages
Background
Many smallholder farmers in western Bhutan faced challenges in accessing reliable markets, modern farming practices, and financial investment. Limited value addition and inconsistent supply chains often reduced income opportunities despite strong agricultural potential.
BATIF 1.0 Intervention
During BATIF 1.0, local farmer groups were connected with private investors, technical experts, and financial institutions through structured B2B sessions and investment dialogues. The forum facilitated partnerships focused on improving production efficiency, post-harvest handling, and direct market access.
Through these engagements, a farmer cooperative secured technical support for climate-smart cultivation and established a supply agreement with a domestic agribusiness buyer. The collaboration also enabled access to financing for improved irrigation and storage facilities.
Results & Achievements
Increased production efficiency through improved farming techniques
Reduction in post-harvest losses through better storage solutions
Stable market access with agreed purchase arrangements
Increased household income and employment opportunities for local youth
Impact
The success demonstrated how coordinated investment, knowledge exchange, and policy support can strengthen agricultural value chains. The model is now being explored for replication in other districts, contributing to Bhutan’s broader goals of food security, rural livelihoods, and sustainable economic development.
Looking Forward
BATIF 1.0 highlighted the importance of partnerships between farmers, investors, and institutions. The outcomes continue to inspire new collaborations aimed at building resilient and market-oriented agricultural systems across Bhutan.
