Farming & Food Security

Food Security: The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”.

Food security is an issue that Bhutan has been grappling with for decades, unsuccessfully. The situation is worsening every year, caused my rural-urban migration and farmlands lying fallow. Bhutan’s unique situation of wildlife encroachment into human habitat has caused farmers to migrate to urban centers to look for easier and less arduous life. This has caused farm production in rural Bhutan to fall, while increasing the need for import of food to feed the ever-increasing urban population.

Abandoning farming has long-term implications on the country. Rampant predation by wildlife and outmoded farming practices contribute to decrease in food production.

The Rotary Club of Thimphu has recognized that one way to increase food production is to encourage reverse migration – from urban centers to rural areas. This can only happen when people realize that farming can be lucrative and a means of livelihood. Thus, the RC Thimphu seeks assistance in two specific areas:

1. Solar Fencing of farmlands
2. Mechanization of farming – through provision of farm tractors and power tillers

The solar fencing will deter wildlife predation and limited mechanization of farming will increase production.

The RC Thimphu is already promoting a farming cooperative in Zhemgang area as a pilot project. The cooperative formed by 16 unemployed youth is indication that farming can provide jobs to the jobless.

If you wish to contribute to our project please click here to read how you may contribute.