Ecotourism had never been explored as an alternative community-based livelihood option in Royal Manas National Park (RMNP) except since 2010. With a population of about 10,646 people representing 1,026 households and enriched with diverse natural settings, rich culture and traditions plus biodiversity, RMNP has always been a potential ecotourism destination. Realizing …
Read More »Wholesale cartel makes 216% profit on imported vegetables
A study by Department of Agriculture and Marketing Co-operatives shows that Bhutanese kitchens pay exorbitantly high rates and recommends that FCB take over wholesale of vegetables to bring down prices Next time you visit the Centenary Farmer’s Market in Thimphu make sure that you drive a hard bargain. A study by the Department …
Read More »Toxin in kharang and ara possibly related to liver diseases
While reports indicate that aflotoxin can directly cause liver cancer, more studies need to be conducted to confirm that the chronic liver diseases in Bhutan are caused by the toxin. Maize products like ara (alcohol) and kharang (beaten maize) were found to contain Aflotoxin, a deadly chemical which caused the …
Read More »Urban development – a major government mandate in next FYP
Over 70% of the country’s population would be residing in urban areas by 2020, according to Bhutan national urbanization strategy 2008 hence the government’s major focus in the 11th five year plan would be urban development. “The government is highly alarmed with the increasing rate of urban population,” said an …
Read More »Land taxes being revised to ensure equitable distribution
National Land Commission (NLC) is in the process of revising the land tax rates in both rural and urban areas with the aim of generating revenue, preventing speculation over land, and also concentration of land holdings in a few hands. The rates are yet to be finalized and will have …
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