Second Phase of Bhutan's Million Fruit Tree Plantation Project Completed Successfully

Bhutan, the enchanting land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, has embarked on a remarkable journey to plant over 1.3 million fruit trees in a visionary initiative known as the Million Fruit Tree Plantation Project. This joint effort by the DeSuung National Service and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is not only aiming for fewer seeds but higher value crops that promise to yield substantial revenue and uplift the livelihoods of rural communities across the country.

The project's central mission revolves around cultivating 13 high-value fruit crops, including almonds, pecan nuts, walnuts, kiwis, avocados, dragon fruit, Miyazaki mangoes, dekopon citrus, macadamia nuts, seedless limes, sour sop, agarwood, and coconuts. By focusing on these premium varieties, Bhutan seeks to tap into lucrative markets and maximize returns for its farmers and economy.

With zeal and dedication, approximately 2,000 DeSuups, among them 200 individuals specially trained by the Agriculture Research and Development centers, lent their hands in making this ambitious endeavor a reality. They worked diligently to ensure that the Million Fruit Tree Plantation Project took root across various districts in Bhutan. 

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As with any ambitious undertaking, the project faced its share of challenges during the initial phase, where approximately 30% of the planted trees did not survive. However, the setback didn't dampen the spirits of the project's organizers. Instead, they embraced the learning opportunities and diligently tackled the obstacles. The lessons from the first phase have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the second phase, which commenced in February this year.

Yonten Gyamtsho, the director of the Department of Agriculture, expressed enthusiasm, noting, "Our aim is to enhance our fruit crop varieties by introducing high-value options. The first Million Fruit Tree initiative, spurred by His Majesty's command and vision, laid the foundation for what we are achieving now in the second phase."

The fruits of these newly planted trees are expected to grace Bhutan's orchards within three to five years, heralding a new era of prosperity for farmers and the nation's economy. Each tree is projected to yield fruits for a period of at least 15 years, ensuring a sustained source of income and abundance.

In terms of investment, the Bhutanese government committed more than Nu 150 to 200 million to the project, and it is expected to yield an impressive annual revenue of Nu 2.7 billion. Director Yonten Gyamtsho emphasized that this revenue stream would endure for at least 15 years, as they are already planning for subsequent phases.

The Million Fruit Tree Plantation Project is not only a boon for the 40,000 farmers it benefits but also extends its positive impact to schools, government agencies, dratshangs (monastic bodies), and private companies, fostering prosperity on multiple fronts.

The resounding success of the first two phases, which saw the planting of fruit seeds of 22 different varieties across the country in just two and a half months, has turned Bhutan into an inspiring role model for embracing innovative, sustainable agriculture practices. It showcases the nation's unwavering commitment to nurturing its natural resources and building a resilient, thriving future.

As the Million Fruit Tree Plantation Project continues to flourish and bear fruit, Bhutan stands tall as a shining example of how a small, determined nation can sow the seeds of prosperity and grow a bountiful harvest for its people.

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