In a significant step towards strengthening local agricultural capacity and promoting innovative farming practices, the Agriculture Sector under Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag successfully led a Farmer Exchange Program across four major research and development centres in the country.
The exchange program aimed to equip farmers with practical knowledge and first-hand exposure to advanced technologies in both agriculture and livestock sectors. Participants visited the following research centres:
At Khangma Agricultural Research and Development Centre (ARDC), farmers were introduced to advanced mushroom cultivation techniques and improved cereal crop varieties. The visit provided valuable insights into spawn production and sustainable mushroom farming, which holds potential for diversification and income generation.
The team then visited Wengkhar ARDC, where the focus was on cutting-edge hydroponic technology and the use of mega greenhouses. Farmers observed how soilless cultivation can optimize water usage and increase productivity, especially in climate-resilient agriculture.
At Lingmethang ARDC, participants explored modern techniques in fruit tree cultivation and grapevine plantation technology. The demonstration highlighted proper orchard management, propagation of high-value fruits, and the potential of grapes as a niche crop for high-altitude regions.
The final leg of the exchange program took the farmers to the Bumthang Livestock Research and Development Centre (LRDC), where they were introduced to beekeeping technology. The visit covered essential aspects of modern apiculture, including hive management, colony health, and honey production—presenting beekeeping as a viable alternative livelihood.
Officials from the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector noted that such exposure visits are crucial in bridging the gap between research and field-level implementation. “These learnings will be instrumental in helping our farmers adopt improved practices and technologies suited to our local context,” said one official.
The Farmer Exchange Program reflects the Dzongkhag’s commitment to promoting agricultural innovation, improving rural livelihoods, and enhancing food self-sufficiency through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
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