Smart agriculture technologies can make farming more attractive to out-of-school youths and farmers in rural areas while promoting resilience and sustainability in communities. To equip them with modern skills, a daylong training was held on 1st February at Chhudzom Gewog in Sarpang. The session introduced greenhouse and hydroponic farming to enhance productivity amid changing climates. The initiative aligns with Gelephu Mindfulness City’s vision for high-value agriculture.
The district agriculture officer said that Chhudzom Gewog was selected for the training due to its high rate of out-of-school youths involved in farming.
The session aims to equip them with modern agriculture techniques, enabling them to earn better incomes, contribute to regional food security and supply produce to Gelephu Mindfulness City.
“The gewog is currently focused on organic farming and is expected to become a key production zone for vegetables and fruits with the upcoming GMC project. Training more farmers and youths here will benefit them in the long run, which is why this gewog was chosen for the initiative. We have 25 participants this time. Based on their interests, we will make further plans and with funding from the government or the project, we will support them according to their proposals,” said Kinley Namgay, district agriculture officer, Sarpang.
“With the help of new and advanced technology and skills, we have a great prospect of marketing our produce in the upcoming GMC which is why we have come here to impart these skills to the participants. Secondly, because GMC offers marketing opportunities in the future, we have come here to train and advocate them on SMART technology and its benefits,” said Pema Gyalpo (PhD), general secretary of the Japan Alumni Association of Bhutan.
“If we take advantage of the advanced technology, we have a greater opportunity of generating income from a remote place like ours,” said Mani Kumar Rai, a participant, Chhudzom Gewog.
“Through this training, I have gained insights on opportunities to earn greater income using these advanced technologies. I have gained the necessary skills. In the future, I feel that it will fuel a greater interest in the agriculture sector,” said Thinley Dorji Tamang, another participant.
The Japan Alumni Association of Bhutan, in collaboration with the Sarpang district, organised the programme.
Organisers said such training will continue to support out-of-school youths and farmers, providing them with access to the latest agricultural advancement and helping them tap into new market opportunities, especially with the upcoming GMC project.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem
