[ad_1]
As we head into the 13th Five-Year Plan, our largest and most ambitious yet, it’s disturbing that we are still struggling to address the same fundamental issues that have plagued us since the 1960s. Food self-sufficiency has been a national priority from the beginning, but decades later, we have still not achieved it. It’s time to ask: why has so little changed?
Our focus seems to be on solving the marketing challenges farmers face. Yes, marketing is a barrier, but it pales in comparison to the real issues we should be addressing – production capacity and sustainability of farming practices. The problem is not only how we sell the produce we grow, but why we don’t grow enough in the first place.
Over the years, successive governments have introduced various initiatives to boost agricultural productivity. But let’s face it, these efforts have often been half-hearted and have only addressed the symptoms rather than the root causes. The reality is that our agricultural sector remains fragmented, inefficient, and dominated by small-scale farms that lack the production capacity to meet domestic demand, let alone generate a surplus for our exports. This structural inefficiency has locked us into a cycle of dependence on imported food, making the dream of self-sufficiency seem increasingly elusive.
The era of superficial fixes is over. We need to think bigger, act bolder, and commit to a long-term vision that goes beyond subsidies and incentives. Our farmers need more than financial support, but also infrastructure and technology that enables them to scale up production. Imagine modern irrigation systems that maximize water use, or improved seed varieties that yield higher yields with less land. Imagine a farming community with easy access to affordable credit that can invest in their future, not just get by.
Sustainability is another critical issue; we can no longer ignore it. Over-reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides is not only unsustainable, it is dangerous. These practices are eroding our soils, harming public health, and creating problems that will take generations to solve. There is a pressing question Sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming and crop rotation, need to be promoted, which can both protect our environment and ensure long-term agricultural productivity.
Our approach to agriculture must also be underpinned by significant investment in research and development. By harnessing the power of science and innovation, we can develop new technologies and practices that are better suited to Bhutan’s unique climate and terrain. This is how we make agriculture more resilient to the growing threats of climate change and environmental degradation.
Education and training are essential. Farmers equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills can become true stewards of the land, boosting not only their own prosperity but also the food security of the entire country.
The time for taking things halfway is over.
If we are to achieve true food self-sufficiency, we must overhaul our approach to agriculture. That means addressing the root causes of the challenges we face, not just the symptoms. It means adopting bold, transformative solutions that empower farmers, protect our environment, and secure our nation’s future.
[ad_2]
Source link
