The vision 2020 milestones requires the RNR sector to achieve a three-fold increase in real incomes of farmers by 2012, increase the value of horticultural exports by 300% by 2012; ensure that 75% of rural population live within the distance of half-day walk from the nearest road, and maintain 60% forest cover at all times. With 69% of the population residing in rural areas and depending predominantly on the economic activities that are supported by the integrated use of agricultural, livestock and forest resources, the RNR still remains as the biggest employment sector nationwide. (RNR Sector 10th plan, Volume I, MoA, October 2009)

Agriculture will remain the most important source of employment and rural livelihood of the Bhutanese people for several decades even though the relative contribution of agriculture to GDP is declining (presently about 34%), The Royal Government has placed continuous emphasis for the development of agriculture from the very beginning of the planned development in the country.(http://www.moa.gov.bt/moa/agency/agprofile_detail.php?id=2&agname=Department+of+Agriculture)

Agriculture Sector Overview

In order to provide a longer term vision for the growth and development of Agriculture Sub-sector, long term strategies for Agriculture and Horticulture are reviewed and formulated. Long term policy and legislative measures were also reviewed and formulated to facilitate the development strategies within and even beyond the 10th FYP.

Vision

Agriculture potential is fully realized to provide equitable income and livelihood for the rural population and agriculture continues to manifest itself as a sustainable living culture that contributes to food needs, economic security, poverty alleviation and happiness.

Mission

To promote agriculture growth through increased production and enhanced rural income; develop social and physical infrastructures to make rural areas vibrant and more attractive; sustain productivity of land and water resources and pursue an appropriate agriculture development model for Bhutan that includes conservation of environment and human health and poverty alleviation.

Objectives

• Provide agriculture as a provider of employment and livelihood. Enhance and sustain the productivity of labour and land and increase and stabilize domestic food production through appropriate policies, legislation and monitoring. Food security will be enhanced through increased production of nutritionally adequate traditional foods and cereal crops, meeting at least 50% of the rice requirement internally;

• Pursue horticulture development based on agro-ecological conditions and emphasizing commercialization and specialization to transform farming form subsistence to market-oriented farming system;

• Provide adequate support to agriculture and horticulture development through enabling legal, institutional, technical and financial environment;

• Introduce subsidies, incentives and other mechanisms as a tool for agriculture growth. The present level of subsidies should be increased and pro-poor and farmer friendly credit policies and strategies formulated and pursued;

• Pest and soil fertility management strategies should focus on sustainability and production of healthy crops;

• Introduce regulations and strategies that minimize loss (opportunities lost, guarding cost and yield loss) by wild animals;

• Develop regulations and policies which protect and optimized use of land resources through land capability assessment;

• Develop and adopt marketing strategies that reflect interests of producers and local consumers to enhance rural income and employment;

• While basic services for agricultural development will be provided to all the geogs and farmers, special attention should be given to small, marginal and tenant farmers;

• Implement policies and programmes to address rural poverty and to reduce gaps between communities and regions and in between rural and urban areas;

• Develop and maintain institutions institutional mechanisms to implement the agriculture development policies and strategies. Institutional changes should be accompanied by proportionate change and allocation of mandates and resources;