February 20, 2017

Last year, through our small grants program, we supported an initiative to install a pilot greenhouse at Soe gewog in Jomolhari region. The project, located at 3,900 meters above sea level, was aimed at studying the durability of the raw materials used in building the greenhouse and also to observe the types of fresh vegetables that could be grown at highland communities. The pilot project was very successful in harvesting vegetables like spinach, broccoli, turnip, and carrot. In addition, many households in the area have come forward and expressed their interest in starting similar projects of their own.

Based on the success of the project, we are happy to extend our support to other highland community in the same region. Today, the Bhutan Foundation signed a project agreement with the Agriculture Extension Office of Naro Gewog under Lingzhi Dungkhag to promote health and nutrition. The project will not only educate the monks and the community members on vegetable production and greenhouse management, but they also will receive hands-on training on installation of the greenhouse, vegetable cultivation, and the importance of nutrition in daily life.

Similar to Soe gewog, the community members of Naro Gewog largely depend on the collection of medicinal and aromatic plants as a source of cash income. Agriculture remains one of the least favored practices due to harsh weather conditions, however, promoting vegetable production in the region remains one of the priorities of the agriculture sector.

The Bhutan Foundation wishes the agriculture extension office and the monks at the Barshong Rabdey Dratshang best of luck in their initiative and look forward to fruitful yield.