Farmers’ groups and the agriculture ministry launched local organic certified products in Thimphu today. The products bear Bhutan Organic Logo, which certifies them as organic, grown locally under the supervision of the agriculture extension officers.
The products launched include turmeric powder produced by a group of women in Zhemgang, herbal tea from Bumthang, green tea from Trongsa and potato, garlic and carrot from Gasa.
“Our farmers produce a lot of agricultural products, but people do not know if they are organic,” Pema Zangmo, a Senior Agriculture Supervisor of National Organic Programme, said.
“So, when we certify them as organic, they will get access to both local and regional market. This certification will serve as a marketing strategy. It will help consumers differentiate products.”
The products are from farmers’ groups registered with the National Organic Programme since 2016. They are hopeful their products would sell better with the certification.
“We use naturally decomposed manure and not chemical fertilisers. We are hoping things will become better with the Bhutan Organic Logo,” Sangay Lhaden from Zhemgang, said.
“We started herbal tea business some seven years ago and the demand for our product is high. We are not able to meet even the local demand. With the local organic assurance system certificate, we hope things would become better,” Rinzin Wangchuk from Bhutan Herbal Tea, said.
The groups have signed a pledge to commit to the Bhutan Organic Standard.
They were also trained on the concepts, standards and practices of organic farming.
