Department of Agricultural Marketing and Co-operatives, RGoB

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬: 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 (𝐁𝐒𝐌) 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭

The Department (DAMC) is thrilled to share the landmark success of the Strategic Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) held in Trashigang from May 28–29, 2026. This forum has officially bridged the gap between our hardworking rural producers and national commercial markets.
By moving away from volatile open market transactions and toward formalized trade architectures, we are ensuring that Bhutan’s smallholder farmers have the stability they need to thrive.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭:
• 𝟏𝟑 𝐁𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟-𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Legally securing guaranteed markets and fair prices for our farmers.
• 𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: Expanding networks for future growth.
• 𝟓𝟑 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝: A unified collaborative network involving buyers, producers, and technical enablers from six eastern districts.
• 𝐁𝟐𝐁 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Direct negotiations between 13 national agribusiness leaders and 23 mature agricultural cooperatives.
This initiative, part of the GEF-8 Project, is more than just a networking event. It’s a "high-tech handshake" rewiring our rural economy. From premium Radhi Rice and native spices to artisanal Zoetay (fermented cheese), the quality and resilience of eastern Bhutan’s produce are now taking center stage on a national scale.

Together, we are shifting from subsistence farming to robust, market-aligned commercial success.
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of BhutanRegional Agricultural Marketing & Cooperatives Office, MongarFAO Bhutan

𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐘𝐂𝐄𝐏𝐒 𝐀𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
The Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, is pleased to share the Cordyceps Auction Guideline 2026 for the information and reference of the general public.

The Guideline has been revised in accordance with the provisions of the Forests and Nature Conservation Act 2023, the Rules and Regulations for Collection of Cordyceps 2026, and the Certificate of Origin requirements.

The Guideline can be downloaded through the link provided below and is also available on the MoAL website for easy access and reference.
https://damc.gov.bt/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/REVISED-CORDYCEPS-AUCTION-GUIDELINE-2026-FINAL.pdf

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 : 𝐀𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧

31 May

From opening Bhutan Outlets in Siliguri and Guwahati to organizing B2B meetings and Mini Bhutan Markets in Thailand and Singapore, DAMC has been making every effort to take Bhutanese agri-food products beyond our borders and connect them with new markets and consumers.

Our latest effort has been the Bhutanese Product Pop-Up at Villa Market, Thailand, made possible through the kind support of its Founder and President, Mr. Surapong Poosanakhom. With 37 stores across Thailand, Villa Market is known as “Thailand’s Original International Supermarket” and has provided an excellent platform for showcasing Bhutanese products.

As we wrap up the Pop-Up and the Taste of Bhutan Networking Event, it is only fitting that we pause to acknowledge the many people and institutions that have supported these efforts.

The support of H.E. MoAL Minister, Hon. Secretary and collaboration of the Department of Economic and Tech Diplomacy (DoETD) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET), the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Bangkok, and the Consulates in Kolkata and Guwahati with collaboration from Embassy of India in Bhutan have been crucial to the success of these initiatives.

We acknowledge the support of H.E the Minister for Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore and that of the Thai Food and Drug Authority and the Singapore Food Agency, the government agencies in respective countries who have accommodated us to discuss for future collaborations.

Back home, we have leveraged on the similar marketing and trade enhancement mandates of agencies like the Department of Trade and continued on the strong partnerships with development partners; JICA Bhutan, World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

We are aware that market promotions, product showcases, and networking events are not ends in themselves. They are pathways towards what really counts, creating lasting business relationships and opening new opportunities for Bhutanese agri-food entrepreneurs. Yet, it is equally important to recognize and celebrate the small successes along the way, and to appreciate the hard work, commitment, and resources that go into making such efforts possible.

As we conclude our market exploration activities for this financial year, we would in particular offer our sincere gratitude to the many friends and well-wishers of Bhutan, from India to Thailand and Singapore, who have generously given their time, effort, and encouragement and shown genuine care for Bhutan and its products. Your contributions have helped us take Bhutanese products and Bhutan’s stories to new audiences.

The work does not stop here. We remain committed to creating more opportunities for Bhutanese Agri-businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Traders, and to supporting their efforts to reach premium markets abroad.

Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment, Royal Government of BhutanJICA Bhutan OfficeMinistry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan World Bank Group

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

In preparation for installing five Solar Cold Stores in Fiscal Year 2026-2027 by the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives, with funding support from the GoI-PTA project, technical officials from the National Post Harvest Center are undergoing a two-day training on Repair, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of Solar Cold Stores in Paro. The training program consists of both in-house technical deliberations and practical session (hands on training). They are trained by the experienced trainers who are into commercial cold store installation, repair, maintenance and troubleshooting. In general, the program is designed to enhance the technical capacity of the participants.

The expected outcomes of the training are;
a) Understand the working principles of solar cold storage systems.
b) Conduct routine preventive maintenance.
c) Diagnose and troubleshoot common technical faults.
d) Perform basic repair and replacement works safely.
e) Maintain operational records and maintenance schedules.
f) Improve efficiency and lifespan of solar cold storage facilities.

This training is expected to reduce reliance on external experts for the repair and maintenance of cold stores and other market infrastructures in the country.

National Post Harvest CenterMinistry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

From “produce first and search for market later” to “identify the market first, then produce” — a globally recognized marketing principle now taking stronger shape in Pemagatshel Dzongkhag.

The contract signing between farmer groups of Nanong, Choekhorling, and Decheling Gewogs with Shaoulee Food Product under the B2B Linkages Programme is a strong example of market-led agriculture, helping ease the marketing of farm produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

A meaningful step towards building sustainable and reliable farmer-market linkages in Bhutan.

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
Earlier today, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, introduced the Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill of Bhutan, 2025 to the House. The Bill seeks to revise the existing Co-operatives (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2009 to address implementation challenges and strengthen the functioning of cooperatives and farmer groups across the country.
The proposed legislation introduces separate criteria for the formation of cooperatives and farmer groups, strengthens monitoring and accountability mechanisms, and establishes clearer procedures for registration, auditing, dispute settlement, and dissolution of non-performing groups. It also proposes administrative measures and penal provisions to ensure the proper use of funds and sustainable operations.
The Hon’ble Minister informed the House that the Bill is expected to promote transparency, equitable distribution of resources, and improved economic opportunities for members and rural communities.
Subsequently, the Legislative Committee, which reviewed the Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill of Bhutan 2025, presented its observations to the House.
Presenting the Committee’s review report, Hon’ble Tshering Wangchen, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, noted that despite significant growth in the sector, with the registration of 719 Farmer Groups, 120 Cooperatives, and two Federations across various sectors, several implementation challenges continue to persist. These include unclear legal distinctions between Farmer Groups and Cooperatives, inadequate mechanisms for grants and external assistance, impractical auditing requirements, and weak enforcement and accountability provisions.
The Committee further informed the House that extensive consultations were carried out with Cooperatives and Farmer Groups in Wangdue Phodrang, Tsirang, and Haa Dzongkhags from 22 to 28 April 2026 to better understand the challenges faced by grassroots institutions. Key concerns raised during the consultations included the need for greater financial support, improved market access, enhanced capacity-building opportunities, and stronger institutional coordination.
Additionally, the Committee reported that the National Assembly amended a total of 76 sections of the Bill. Of these, 40 sections were further amended by the Committee, while 36 sections, including subsections, were accepted as adopted by the National Assembly.
The House subsequently deliberated extensively on the recommendations and observations submitted by the Legislative Committee Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦 | 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐅 𝟐.𝟎

21 May | 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗼, 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗵𝘂, 𝗕𝗵𝘂𝘁𝗮𝗻

The Bhutan Agrifood Trade and Investment Forum (BATIF 2.0) officially opened today at Hotel Pemako, Thimphu marking a pivotal step in transforming Bhutan's agricultural sector from subsistence farming into a premium, market-driven agrifood economy.

Bhutan's agriculture has long been defined by its clean landscapes, organic traditions, and high-altitude produce. BATIF 2.0 is the platform that turns that natural advantage into a global market proposition — connecting Bhutan's farmers, cooperatives, and agripreneurs directly with investors, development partners, and international buyers.

Building on BATIF 2024's momentum, this year's forum shifts from dialogue to action focusing on investment mobilization, agribusiness development, market linkages, and value chain transformation that puts Bhutanese products on the world's shelves.

Bhutan's agrifood story is compelling: pristine ecosystems, GNH-aligned sustainable practices, and a growing portfolio of premium products from red rice and cordyceps to organic vegetables, honey, and herbal teas. BATIF 2.0 is the commercial bridge that links this story to real trade flows and sustained demand.

The forum unites government leaders, international development partners, financial institutions, agribusiness enterprises, farmer groups, youth entrepreneurs, and policy experts under one roof because agrifood transformation is never a single actor's journey.

Organized by the Royal Government of Bhutan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL), FAO, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the European Union (EU), BATIF 2.0 stands as a testament to the power of partnership in building food systems that are resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.

𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐩 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞

20 May | 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘆𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁, 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲

Today, the Bhutanese products store, Dia Natural, set up a special Popup Market at the prestigious Takashimaya Shopping Centre supermarket to promote and sell a range of premium Bhutanese products to Singaporean consumers.

Such time-bound Popup Markets are a common retail strategy used by brands and specialty stores to attract consumer attention, create product awareness, and build stronger Business-to-Consumer (B2C) relationships that can eventually lead to sustained demand and future direct supply arrangements.

Dia Natural currently sources a variety of Bhutanese products including Mugwort-based products, honey, spices, herbal teas, and other specialty items directly from entrepreneurs and producers in Bhutan. The store is also notable for being the first retail outlet in Singapore fully dedicated to the promotion and sale of Bhutanese products, serving as an important platform for introducing Bhutan’s unique agricultural and artisanal offerings to international consumers.

The DAMC deeply appreciates the efforts and commitment of foreign business partners such as Dia Natural in supporting Bhutanese entrepreneurs and expanding market access abroad. The Department looks forward to encouraging and facilitating similar initiatives in the future to further strengthen Bhutan’s presence in international markets.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

The Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock successfully organized and facilitated a three-day Capacity Building Program on Cooperative Governance, Financial and Business Management at Kichu Resort, Paro from 12–14th May 2026.

A total of 19 participants representing selected high-performing Farmer Groups (FGs) and Cooperatives (Co-ops) from Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Chhukha, and Samtse Dzongkhags attended the program. The training also included participation from Gyalsung-linked cooperatives, particularly the Aggregator Network of Samtse (AGN) and member cooperatives under the Bhutan Yak Federation.

The program aimed to:
• Enhance financial literacy and financial management skills;
• Strengthen cooperative governance and management competencies;
• Create awareness on the upcoming Cooperatives and Farmer Groups Bill of Bhutan 2025; and
• Promote access to finance and banking services.

Key sessions covered financial literacy, recording and reporting, business plan preparation, basic cost of production calculation, cooperative governance, and key provisions of the upcoming Bill. Participants were also sensitized on banking products and financial services by officials from Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL).

The training concluded successfully with an assessment of learning outcomes, and participants expressed satisfaction with the overall program. The initiative is expected to strengthen governance compliance, improve financial record-keeping practices, enhance institutional sustainability, and promote formal banking integration among participating Farmer Groups and Cooperatives.

𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐙𝐞𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬

19 May | Singapore

As part of the Singapore market exploration and Business-to-Business linkage initiative, the agri-entrepreneurs and the DAMC team, together with JICA Bhutan, visited Zenxin Organics, a long-time supporter and partner of Bhutan’s agriculture sector. Zenxin operates 15 organic retail shops and more than 100 dedicated supermarket counters across Malaysia and Singapore.

We were delighted to see Bhutanese Turmeric Powder on Zenxin’s shelves apart from them having imported fresh Asparagus from Bhutan.

This market linkage was first established in 2024 through DAMC’s market exploration initiatives, and it is encouraging to witness Bhutanese products steadily entering premium international retail spaces in Singapore.

During the experience-sharing session, Zenxin Executive Director, Tai Seng Yee, emphasized the importance of international standard certification and building consumer trust in Bhutanese organic products.

He also expressed Zenxin’s continued commitment to supporting Bhutanese exporters and growers to ensure that more products from Bhutan reach their retail stores in the future.

Such achievements show that market exploration and business linkages are long-term initiatives, where the fruits of collaboration, persistence, and trust are often realized only after years of engagement and partnership, particularly in the agriculture sector.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan JICA Bhutan Office Zenxin Organic Food Malaysia