The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Bhutan is seeking to expand its potato export markets to Nepal and Bangladesh. This strategy aims at market diversification and stabilization of prices to support the country's potato farmers. Potatoes are cultivated in all 20 districts in Bhutan, with India currently being the main export destination.
The Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census of Bhutan 2022 indicated a decrease in potato production, with figures dropping from 38,573 metric tonnes in 2021 to 31,146 MT in 2022, marking a 19 percent reduction. Notably, key potato-producing areas such as Wangdue, Paro, and Bumthang experienced reduced yields last year.
Fluctuations in potato production have been observed over the past five years, with a peak production of 45,500 MT in 2020, followed by a decline to 31,146 MT in 2022. The census also recorded a decrease in the number of potato farmers from 36,913 in 2020 to 33,096 in 2022.
Addressing the National Assembly, MP Kuenga from Nyisho Saephu highlighted the downturn in potato cultivation and proposed the establishment of local auction yards to foster a competitive market. In response, Agriculture Minister Younten Phuntsho mentioned the ministry's intention to enhance the online auctioning system and to integrate Artificial Intelligence technologies to improve market access and operational efficiency.
Source: kuenselonline.com