Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan – In a move aimed at transforming rural agriculture through gender-inclusive mechanisation, the Agriculture Sector under Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag distributed over 60 mini power tillers to households across the district today. The event, held at the Dzongkhag Tshogdu Hall, was supported by the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme (CARLEP).
The distribution marks a significant step toward promoting women-friendly agricultural technologies in Bhutan’s southeastern region. Designed for easy handling and lightweight operation, the mini power tillers are expected to reduce the physical burden of traditional farming and enhance efficiency in land preparation, particularly for women farmers who form the backbone of Bhutan’s rural workforce.
Officials from the agriculture sector stated that the initiative reflects the government’s broader commitment to gender-responsive agricultural development. “This intervention goes beyond mechanisation—it’s about empowering women to take greater leadership in farming, improve productivity, and enhance household income,” said one of the officials.
With the introduction of these machines, farmers in remote gewogs are expected to save both time and labour, enabling them to expand cultivation areas and diversify crop production. The move also aligns with national efforts to modernise farming practices while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
Funded under CARLEP, which is supported by IFAD, the initiative underscores how gender-focused innovations can drive equitable agricultural transformation. By equipping women with the tools they need, Samdrup Jongkhar’s agriculture sector is not only improving livelihoods but also nurturing a more resilient and self-reliant rural economy.
