Under the 13th Five-Year Plan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock plans to establish Hi-Tech Chirrup farms at two feasible sites. These farms will cultivate chilli, tomato, onion, and other vegetables needed by government institutions, thereby addressing local demand. This initiative is one of three projects by the Department of Agriculture aimed at promoting large-scale commercial farming.
According to the Ministry’s 13th Five-Year Plan report, these Hi-Tech farms will incorporate advanced agricultural technologies such as smart irrigation, automation, vertical cropping, and integrated pest and nutrient management.
Youth are encouraged to establish farm infrastructure, including fencing, internal road networks, storage facilities, and recreational amenities.
The second initiative involves establishing four commercial farms, each spanning 100 acres, targeting private individuals or parties interested in agricultural ventures.
The report states that access to land will be facilitated, including support for leasing identified alienable land as needed.
These commercial farms will receive initial investment to cover chain-link fencing, irrigation infrastructure, and production costs for selected commodities.
The farms will be encouraged to prioritise crops such as quinoa and essential vegetables.
After establishment, the farms will be responsible for covering operational costs related to annual crop production.
Another initiative involves establishing a large-scale commercial farm spanning 435 acres at Yarjugang, Wangdue Phodrang.
Modelled after the Chirrup farm concept, this farm will feature protected mega structures, efficient irrigation facilities, land development, access roads, and chain-link fencing.
The farm will produce a variety of crops, including paddy, wheat, maize, mustard, quinoa, chili, tomato, strawberry, and potato, among others.
According to the report, a budget of more than Nu 900 M has been allocated for these initiatives, with the highest allocation of Nu 400 M for establishing the four commercial farms.
Under the theme “Transforming the Agrifood Sector for Economic Growth and Sustainable Development,” the plan sets an ambitious target to achieve an annual growth rate of seven to eight per cent.
This aims to increase the sector’s GDP contribution from Nu 31bn in 2023 to Nu 50bn by 2029.
Samten Dolkar
