FAO Bhutan

28/05/2026

Bhutan Agri-Food Trade & Investment Forum-BATIF

Agriculture and livestock sector is opening up more widely to foreign investments, yet the growth continues to be constrained by limited access to finance, rising non-performing loans (NPLs), weak institutional co-ordination, and poor data systems.

Read more at: https://kuenselonline.com/news/high-npls-and-weak-financing-systems-continue-to-hinder-agriculture-sector

27/05/2026

Gelephu Mindfulness City 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐀𝐎 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐨𝐭𝐮𝐬-𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥
The Spiritual Workstream of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO Bhutan) have partnered to elevate rural livelihoods along the historic Lotus-Born Trail. This initiative transforms the sacred pilgrimage route into a vibrant corridor for inclusive, green economic growth.
The Lotus Born Trail retraces the journey of Guru Padmasambhava, linking GMC to Kurje Lhakhang in Bumthang. By leveraging global demand for mindful, eco-conscious travel, the partnership channels direct economic benefits to some of Bhutan's most remote communities.
To lay the groundwork, a five-day capacity-development program was launched in Nabji from 25th to 29th May 2026, bringing together 25 participants from key institutional stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Tourism, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, DeSuups, tour operators, local governments, and communities. The training equips participants to sustainably manage the trail across four core pillars:
• Homestay-based ecotourism hospitality models.
• Nutrition-sensitive agriculture to enhance local food security.
• Agro-biodiversity preservation to safeguard native ecosystems.
• A comprehensive Operation and Management Plan for the trail.
Designed for long-term viability, this partnership fosters deep community ownership and integrates smallholder hospitality, establishing a self-sustaining economic ecosystem.
The Lotus Born Trail

27/05/2026

Honored to have a dialogue with Mr. Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
Our discussion provided a valuable platform to exchange perspectives on advancing sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security and building resilient food systems across the region and in particularly Bhutan. We also explored pathways to deepen collaboration, particularly in promoting inclusive rural development and enhancing institutional capacities.
Mr. Dohong’s insights and FAO’s continued leadership in driving transformative, people-centered solutions are truly inspiring. I look forward to building on this engagement and contributing to impactful partnerships that deliver lasting benefits for communities across Bhutan.

25/05/2026

Read more on Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, Alue Dohong II engagements in Bhutan.

Mr Alue Dohong, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation...

25/05/2026

FAO Bhutan has grown significantly in recent years, and with that growth has come increasing recognition from our headquarters and regional office, reflected in the high-level delegations we have been honoured to receive.

The visit by ADG Alue Dohong II shows the importance FAO places on its work in Bhutan and the shared commitment to building a food-secure, sustainable future for the country.

The FAO Bhutan Country Office extends its heartfelt gratitude to ADG for visiting our office and our country. Your presence has inspired and energised our team to continue delivering impactful work for the people of Bhutan.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

25/05/2026

𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧
Limited access to finance continues to be one of the biggest constraints to agribusiness development in Bhutan, with financial sector leaders and policymakers increasingly pointing to blended finance as a key solution to unlock investment and bridge long-standing funding gaps in the sector.
https://businessbhutan.bt/blended-finance-emerging-as-key-solution-to-advance-agribusiness-development-in-bhutan/
Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan
Royal Monetary Authority

25/05/2026

ADG Alue Dohong II met with UN Resident Coordinator Mr Gaurav Ray to strengthen the spirit of One UN in Bhutan.

As part of a unified UN family, FAO is committed to working hand in hand with sister agencies to deliver coherent, impactful support to Bhutan's sustainable development goals.

UN Bhutan

25/05/2026

ADG Alue Dohong II visited Kaja Throm, Bhutan's vibrant vegetable market where farmers from across the country bring their fresh produce for sale.

A living example of Bhutan's agricultural heartbeat, Kaja Throm connects smallholder farmers directly to consumers, supporting rural livelihoods and ensuring access to safe, locally grown food.

25/05/2026

ADG Alue Dohong II visited the National Centre for Animal Health, where Bhutan is putting the One Health approach into action, recognising that the health of people, animals, and ecosystems are deeply interconnected.

From disease surveillance to antimicrobial resistance, Bhutan's investments in animal health are a critical pillar of a healthier, more resilient nation.

25/05/2026

Natural farming is at the heart of Bhutan's vision for sustainable agriculture. ADG Alue Dohong II visited the National Centre for Organic Agriculture in Yusipang to see Bhutan's commitment to safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly food production.

24/05/2026

FAO in collaboration with the Department of Media, Creative Industry & Intellectual Property, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan, is conducting a week-long capacity development training on the Geographical Indications (GI) Internal Control System and Compliance Verification Mechanisms from 24 to 28 May 2026 in Bumthang.

The training is part of the Royal Government of Bhutan’s ongoing efforts to operationalize the national GI system following its official launch in June 2025. The initiative aims to strengthen the institutional and technical capacities required to ensure effective implementation of Bhutan’s GI certification and control framework in line with international best practices, including ISO/IEC 17065 standards and the European Union GI certification system.

The training brings together internal inspectors and office bearers from four pilot GI cooperatives: Merak-Sakteng Zoetey, Bumthang Yathra, Bumthang Honey, and Dhur-Tandingang Guntho. Participants also include auditors from designated external control bodies such as the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) and Bhutan Standard Bureau (BSB), as well as Dzongkhag Agriculture Officers (DAOs), Dzongkhag Livestock Officers (DLOs), and extension officials from Trashigang and Bumthang Dzongkhags.

Over the five-day program, participants will deepen their understanding of Bhutan’s national GI legal and control framework, internal control systems (ICS), traceability mechanisms, inspection procedures, documentation and record-keeping, and cooperative responsibilities in ensuring GI compliance. The training will also include practical hands-on mock audits for each GI cooperative to strengthen readiness for GI registration and certification processes.

The program supports Bhutan’s target to facilitate the GI registration and market launch of Bumthang Yathra and Merak-Sakteng Zoetey by June 2026, while laying the foundation for future registration of Bumthang Honey and Dhur-Tandingang Guntho.

By strengthening local capacities and establishing robust quality assurance and compliance systems, the initiative contributes to protecting Bhutan’s unique traditional products, enhancing market recognition, and promoting sustainable rural livelihoods through Geographical Indications.