BBSCL

For generations, farmers have preserved and passed down indigenous seeds, ensuring food security and resilience. However, these seeds are rapidly disappearing, replaced by hybrid varieties and changing farming practices. To promote a culture of seed-saving, a seed fair was organised for the first time in Samdrup Jongkhar. Farmers from eight gewogs from Samdrup Jongkhar showcased more than 100 seed varieties,...

The country will construct around 200 kilometres of new road network by 2040, in addition to maintaining the existing road infrastructure. According to the Department of Surface Transport’s draft Bhutan Highways Connectivity Master Plan, the new road network will enhance connectivity and reduce travel time across the country. These roads will be constructed as wildlife-friendly infrastructure, meaning that their construction...

Local leaders in Chhukha, especially of larger gewogs, are worried about the decline in their block grant budget for the 13th Five-Year Plan. During the recent Dzongkhag Tshogdu, they raised concerns over the Resource Allocation Formula used in distributing the grant. They said that it will widen the economic development gap between larger and smaller gewogs. The local leaders are...

After a year-long halt, construction of the new Gasa town is set to resume next month. While most of the major infrastructure work has been completed, the sewer network remains unfinished. The project stalled in December 2023 after the contract was terminated due to slow progress and the contractor’s failure to renew the performance security.  The new Gasa town at...