As food producers working in the open space, farmers face the impacts of climate change first-hand, often at the cost of their safety. To ensure that policymakers hear these concerns and accordingly bring about solutions, the Asian Development Bank Institute has brought together farmers from Bhutan, India, and Nepal with international researchers, organisations, and policymakers for the Climate and Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Development Conference, which commenced on Saturday in Thimphu.
On the opening day, experts from organisations such as the International Center for Integrated Mountain Development, International Potato Centre and International Rice Research Centre discussed policies essential for scaling climate-smart agricultural practices.
During the four-day conference, they will discuss the region’s agricultural challenges, such as climate vulnerability and market access, while exploring the potential for agricultural growth and investment opportunities.
Speakers at the conference advocated for policies that will enable farmers to benefit from carbon trading, turning climate action into an economic opportunity for rural communities.
“The temperature is rising and they are working on open space. They have to work directly under the exposure of the sun and rain. And their health is being affected. The chemicals they use also tend to affect their health. They are investing time, they are investing resources to produce food. And at the cost of their health, at the cost of their safety. So, that is why I think they are very important. As a policymaker, we need to see how we can improve their well-being and livelihood,” said Dil RAHUT, Vice Chair & Senior Research Fellow at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan.
According to the ADBI, the conference will serve as a platform for experts to engage in discussions and collaborate in bringing forward actionable solutions.
“We aim to play a significant role in finding solutions, but to do so, we must first study and learn from the experts. Therefore, we are creating a platform for meaningful discussions and collaborations among researchers and practitioners. Based on this platform, we will develop concrete strategies. By ‘strategy,’ I mean more than just a list of important actions; it will outline where to start and the steps to follow,” said Tetsushi Sonobe, Dean and CEO at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Japan.
He added that the conference strives to develop an evidence-based policy toward a more sustainable Bhutan and the world.
The upcoming sessions will focus on investment strategies, technological advancements, and best practices for scaling climate-smart agriculture.
Devika Pradhan & Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Phub Gyem
