The 2024-2025 NCOA annual report highlights Bhutan’s promotion of organic farming, including quinoa, as a promising staple in the country’s agricultural landscape. Quinoa, a “superfood” rich in protein and essential amino acids, is being actively researched, cultivated, and promoted in select agro-ecological zones, enhancing rural diets and adapting to Bhutan’s dry subtropical and temperate climates. The NCOA has partnered with the FAO and OCOP to promote quinoa cultivation in Bhutan. Notable achievements include upscaling cultivation in Chhukha Dzongkhag, encouraging harvests, and training agriculture extension officers. The NCOA has conducted scientific trials to improve seed germination and pest management in rural households.
Farmers in Chhukha have experimented with different seed ratios in a quinoa-foxtail millet intercropping system to boost traditional diets’ nutritional value. The FAO has provided three multi-crop threshers to farmer groups to reduce post-harvest labor and improve production efficiency. Quinoa is now recognized as an emerging staple, especially in areas with poor soil fertility and limited water resources. The focus is now on increasing public awareness, strengthening local seed systems, and creating stronger market linkages for quinoa farmers. As Bhutan aims for food self-sufficiency and nutritional security, quinoa could become a cornerstone of a resilient rural economy.
