The Genesis
of the Organic Initiative
Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, embarked on an
ambitious journey to become the world's first 100% organic country, a goal
initially set for 2020. This commitment stems from Bhutan's philosophy of Gross
National Happiness (GNH), which prioritizes holistic well-being, including
environmental sustainability, over solely economic growth. Organic agriculture
aligns with GNH by promoting environmentally sound food production and
sustainable livelihoods.
Underlying
Principles and Advantages
The initiative began in 2002 with the
establishment of a small organic agriculture unit within the Department of
Agriculture. In 2012, during the Rio+20 Summit, Bhutan declared its intention
to become fully organic by 2020. This declaration was driven by the
understanding of the negative impacts of conventional agriculture, including
reliance on synthetic chemicals, and the desire to address issues like soil and
water pollution, biodiversity loss, and farmer debt.
Progress and Challenges
The principles of organic agriculture, GNH, and
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are consistent, emphasizing the
sustainable management of natural resources. Organic agriculture offers
multiple benefits, contributing to several SDGs, including Zero Hunger, Good
Health and Well-being, and Clean Water. Bhutan's largely traditional farming
practices, which often avoid synthetic agrochemicals, made the transition to
certified organic farming potentially less disruptive. The suitability of
organic farming for smallholder family farms, common in Bhutan, is another
advantage. Furthermore, Bhutan's pristine environment and carbon-neutral
economy provide a strong foundation for organic branding and marketing.
Government Support and Initiatives
Despite strong intentions and government support,
Bhutan did not achieve its 100% organic goal by 2020. As of the provided
information, only 5.6% of cultivated land was officially certified organic.
Challenges include a lack of resources for research and innovation, a shortage
of organic inputs, and reliance on imported products. The decreasing farming
population and competition from cheaper imported goods also pose difficulties.
Furthermore, some farmers, particularly those growing crops like potatoes and
apples, still use synthetic agrochemicals.
The Path
Forward
The Bhutanese government has shown strong support
for organic agriculture through various initiatives. These include the National
Framework for Organic Agriculture (2007), the upgrading of the organic unit to
the National Organic Programme (NOP) in 2008, and the formation of the National
Organic Board in 2019. The government also designated the Agriculture Research
Development Centre as the National Centre for Organic Agriculture in 2020. The
National Organic Flagship Programme (2018-2023), with a budget of Nu. 1 billion
(approximately USD 12.8 million), was a significant investment in the organic
sector.
The Role of
Social Networks
Recognizing the 2020 deadline was not met, the
government considered extending the target to 2035. The way forward involves
learning from global experiences, developing critical institutions and
infrastructure, and providing incentives for farmers to convert to organic
practices. Increased investment in research, education, and innovation is
crucial, along with promoting the benefits of traditional and organic
agriculture. Focus on organic production, market forecasting, processing, and
value addition, along with engaging the private sector, is also essential.
Research suggests that well-functioning labor
exchange institutions within farming communities can facilitate the adoption of
labour-intensive organic farming practices. These networks, characterized by
high triad closure, can help farmers manage the increased labor demands of
organic farming.
Bhutan's journey to becoming an organic farming
country is ongoing, with the initial 2020 goal not met, but with continued
efforts and government support, the country is still working towards its goal.
Bhutan's organic mission is a bold experiment, and
its progress is worth watching. The country's commitment to organic agriculture
could set a powerful example for sustainable agriculture globally.