Rice Self-sufficiency in Bhutan: An Assessment

Aims: Rice is the essential food grain in Bhutan and its availability directly translates to national food security and stability. Although there are several previous studies on production technologies, varietal adaptabilities and ecology-based information on rice in Bhutan, there is a dearth of information on rice self-sufficiency based on historical production and consumption data. Therefore, objectives of this study are to: i) evaluate rice production and consumption trends; ii) assess current and future rice self-sufficiency, and iii) identify appropriate policy and technical interventions required to enhance rice self-sufficiency. Methodology: Rice production and consumption data of past fifteen years (2005-2019) was gathered from secondary sources and analysed using descriptive statistics, linear equations, and linear regressions. Results: The study found that the ratio of rice self-sufficiency had declined due to increase in consumption and decrease in production over the past one and half decades. The rice cultivated area reduced to 30314 acres in 2019 from 46586 acres in 2015, while the productivity of milled rice climbed from 0.76 to 1.07 tonnes per acre in the same period. Further, the analysis revealed that the rice self-sufficiency ratio ranged between 34.7 and 51.03 while the   demand for rice had escalated from 81458 tonnes in 2005 to 101082 tonnes in 2019. This implies that more than half of the rice consumed was imported, particularly from India to meet the demand of the country. The average per capita consumption of milled rice in Bhutan was assessed to be 147.7 kg which led to huge rise in import dependency ratio. It saw a growth in import value in Ngultrum by 297% during the study period. Projections from this study shows that per capita rice consumption will rise to 163 kg in 2030, with a rice deficit equal to the volume required for 73% of the estimated population. Conclusion: If current production and consumption trends continue, the ratio of rice self-sufficiency is likely to decline steadily in the coming years with negative impact on country’s trade balance. This study recommends three different strategies: (1) increasing yield, (2) expanding the area, and (3) decreasing consumption to increase the self-sufficiency in rice. These strategies must be persuaded collectively through crop extensification and intensification. Given the limited arable land, the recommendations include reverting to fallow land, adopting improved high-yielding varieties, expanding irrigation, adopting improved plant and soil management techniques, adopting labour-saving technologies, promoting upland rice, and rice double cropping, among many. On the policy front, it is vital to increase rice farming's economic viability and attractiveness through increasing subsidies, support systems, and incentives. A change in consumption pattern and food diversification can be suggested as another long-term approach towards achieving rice self-sufficiency

Renewable Natural Resources (RNR)Research Programme in Bhutan : An Overview

The objective of this paper is to give an overview of how the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) research is being implemented in Bhutan. The RNR sector comprises mainly of agriculture, livestock and forestry sectors. Agriculture research in Bhutan initially started in early 1960s through the introduction of new crop and fruit varieties from Indian Agriculture Research Institutes. Thereafter, livestock and forestry research started in livestock farms and forestry research institutes, respectively. The first Agriculture Research Institute in Bhutan was established in 1982 which underwent various changes culminating into the present Council for RNR Research of Bhutan (CoRRB) in 2003. The Council is chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and the Director of CoRRB functions as the member Secretary of the Council. Four research centres with national and regional mandates located at strategic locations of the country were established to cater to the research and development needs of the farmers living in different agro-ecological zones. These centres are mandated to carry out research in the field of agriculture, horticulture, livestock, forestry and other cross cutting sectors of soils, plant protection, water management, meteorology, socio-economic studies. Apart from the Regional centres of research, there are sub centres where ever the area to be covered by the centre is large. The different departments also conduct research in consultation with CoRRB to avoid duplication of efforts. The main objectives of the RNR Research are to generate relevant technologies for the farming communities for ensuring food security and enhancement of rural income. These technologies are packaged as extension materials,news letters and journals for dissemination to farmers and all concerned stakeholders.Article信州大学農学部紀要. 46(1-2): 139-153 (2010)departmental bulletin pape

Dietary Habits of adolescents in higher secondary school in Bhutan: An In-Depth Analysis of Nationally Representative Data

Bhutan is a small landlocked country that lies between the two most populous countries in the world India and China, with a total area of 38,394 square kilometers. A peaceful mountainous kingdom in the Himalayas mandated free education to all children of school-going age up to the 12th standard. Recognizing that education is the fundamental link to national progress, the Royal Government of Bhutan has always and will continue to emphasize education as a priority sector, In doing so, through a dynamic professional health system in the country, Bhutan has made enormous strides in the field of education that promote healthy and happy school children.  However, as Bhutan steadily proceeds along its development path, substantial challenges remain, including the dietary habits of an adolescent in higher secondary schools. Therefore, this paper intends to explore the dietary habits among adolescents in higher secondary school. And this will contribute empirical data evidence for the policy framers and implements of the nutrition department at higher authority and school level to improve the dietary habits of adolescents

Pneumonia in children admitted to the national referral hospital in Bhutan: a prospective cohort study

Objectives The study aim was to describe the etiological profile and clinical characteristics of pneumonia among children hospitalized in Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods This prospective study enrolled children aged 2–59 months admitted to the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital with World Health Organization (WHO)-defined clinical pneumonia. Demographic and clinico-radiological data were collected through questionnaires, physical examination, and chest radiography. Blood samples and nasopharyngeal washing were collected for microbiological analysis including culture and molecular methods. Results From July 2017 to June 2018, 189 children were enrolled, of which 53.4% were infants. Pneumonia-related admissions were less frequent over the winter. Chest radiographies were obtained in 149 children; endpoints included pneumonia in 39 cases (26.2%), other infiltrates in 31 (20.8%), and were normal in 79 children (53.0%). Non-contaminated bacterial growth was detected in 8/152 (5.3%) blood cultures, with only two cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Viral detection in upper respiratory secretions was common, with at least one virus detected in 103/115 (89.6%). The three most-commonly isolated viruses were respiratory syncytial virus (52/115; 45.2%), rhinovirus (42/115; 36.5%), and human parainfluenza virus (19/115; 16.5%). A third of patients with viral infections showed mixed infections. Case fatality rate was 3.2% (6/189). Conclusion Respiratory viral infections predominated among this cohort of WHO-defined clinical pneumonia cases, whereas bacterial aetiologies were uncommon, highlighting the epidemiologic transition that Bhutan seems to have reached

A Discussion on the Singing Dialogue Tsangmo : Bridging Culture Between Bhutan and Japan, from the Past to the Future

Bhutanese tsangmo is a unique cultural heritage that has been at the heart of folk culture in many regions of Bhutan. It was considered to be on the verge of extinction due to the trends toward globalization and modernization. However, new attempts have already been made in schools, through radio programming, teacher education, and other means to ensure its continuation. These attempts involve wisely transformed styles of traditional ways of playing. Our research group has been investigating the real-life circumstances and unique value of these songs since 2010. In this paper, we describe our findings and exchange opinions between Bhutanese and Japanese, each discussing tsangmo from our own viewpoints, including the cultural heritage in Bhutan, the language as it relates to tsangmo, new attempts to promote passing on tsangmo, Bhutanese creative dialogue and Japanese education, and finally, understanding the importance of tsangmo within the prospects for Asia from the perspective of ethnomusicology. Through our discussion we hope to shine a light on the remarkable and rich cultural heritage of Bhutan so that it may thrive in future generations.This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP 26301043

Mapping recommendations towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC) as part of the World Code Against Cancer Framework: an Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) initiative

This paper outlines the process undertaken by Asian National Cancer Centers Alliance (ANCCA) members in working towards an Asian Code Against Cancer (ACAC). The process involves: (i) identification of the criteria for selecting the existing set of national recommendations for ACAC (ii) compilation of existing national codes or recommendations on cancer prevention (iii) reviewing the scientific evidence on cancer risk factors in Asia and (iv) establishment of one or more ACAC under the World Code Against Cancer Framework. A matrix of national codes or key recommendations against cancer in ANCCA member countries is presented. These include taking actions to prevent or control tobacco consumption, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, exposure to occupational and environmental toxins; and to promote breastfeeding, vaccination against infectious agents and cancer screening. ANCCA will continue to serve as a supportive platform for collaboration, development, and advocacy of an ACAC jointly with the International Agency for Research on Cancer/World Health Organization (IARC/WHO)

The Education Resilience of Out-of-school Children in Bhutan: A Methodology and Pilot Study

Accessibility and quality of education is a much-debated issue today. In Bhutan this is especially a concern for the population scattered across the extreme mountainous terrain of the country. Difficult access and spatial isolation leads to an unequal distribution of the quality services in Bhutan. It is also an issue for children in urban communities despite the easy access to schools. Poverty and disability hold children back from enrolling in and completing school. Hence, the education resilience in these vulnerable communities can differ accordingly even despite the fact that the government provides free basic education in Bhutan. We define resilience as the ability of students, education institutions, and communities to achieve positive education outcomes in spite of adversities, such as the marginalization, isolation and poverty that exist in pockets in Bhutan. This report presents the results of our pilot study. We consulted with education policy makers and implementers at the national level, and communities, parents and children themselves at the local level, to conduct an in-depth analysis of the risks and the assets (strengths, opportunities and resources), that exist in schools, homes and in communities. Accordingly, recommendations are also made in this report with a view towards filling the gaps and enhancing the relevance of education policies and programs based on the evidence collected from the field during the study

Gongzim Ugyen Dorji: The King's Aide and Diplomat Par Excellence

Gongzim Ugyen Dorji (1855-1916) played a great supporting role in establishing the monarchy. The Gongzim was a simple man, who worked as aide and diplomat for the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck