While here in the urban areas we carry on the norms of democracy by expressing our views, criticizing the government, holding it accountable and asserting our rights, the story is very different in the rural areas. A close observation of rural life will lead many to conclude that democracy is …

733 acres Jigmeling to be Bhutan’s industrial heartland once it takes off In what could be an important step in Bhutan’s industrial development DHI Infra floated a global request for proposal (RFP) for the 733 acre Jigmeling Special Economic Zone on 28th December, 2012. The last date for bid submission …

The government will start work on the 145 acres Motanga Special Economic Zone in Samdrup Jongkhar by mid 2013. Unlike Jigmeling the government will own and operate the SEZ as DHI Infra will pump in Nu 100 mn of the equity while the government will put in another Nu 100 …

These are certainly new times and with this bold promise from the DNT camps, it certainly calls for newer measures from other parties as well to up the ante. Through its ‘Mitser Thoblam Chathrim’ or the Citizens’ Dividend Act’ the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) promises to ensure equal shares in …

A decade ago, when the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) under Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) first initiated establishment of Community Forests (CF) at Dozam under Monggar Dzongkhag, people were apprehensive about such new ventures. For them, the forest and other natural resources were more of a …

The number of users are still very less Despite a pre-paid card system in place there are only a few that use it. Most complained that paying via cash everyday is difficult and also expensive. The Bhutanese has followed this particular issue for a very long time and in the …

Organic Agriculture training The National Organic Program (NOP) conducted a training on Organic Agriculture Technologies in Mongar at RDC-Wengkhar. The training program which started from 7 January was organized for the agriculture extension officials of eastern Bhutan.  It was held with the objective to build capacity of extension officials, so …

It stinks and that is pretty evident from its name, but its multiple use from medicinal benefits to acting as appetizer has placed on it a marketable value. The subject in discussion here is the ‘Stink Bug’ or ‘Marmorated Stink Bug’ locally known as ‘Naa Boo’. This practice is most …

There are growing concerns that that the government is providing too much concessions and resources to the Education City at a time when the country is facing severe cost saving measures. Also, there is also concern on the viability of the multi-billion Education City project, especially since till date the …

As part of the vegetable production and marketing plan to gear Bhutan toward self-sufficiency in vegetables, the Department of Agriculture and Marketing Cooperation (DAMC) is facilitating producers with major buyers and linkages. It also provides market information to build up sustainable long term market relations. The six eastern dzongkhags of …