BBSCL

The National Health Survey 2023 reveals that areca nut consumption among Bhutanese aged 15 to 69 rose to nearly 60 per cent last year, marking a three per cent increase since 2019. The health ministry attributes the rise to the product being cheap, easily available and culturally accepted in the country. To address this, the ministry plans to introduce measures...

Farmers of Tashichhoeling Gewog in Samtse, who depend on areca nut farming, are struggling with frequent elephant attacks. These elephants damage homes, threaten lives, and destroy betel nut trees, undoing years of hard work. Frustrated by the losses, the affected farmers are urging authorities to implement stronger measures and provide damage compensation caused by elephants and other wildlife. Elephants have...

Farmers of six gewogs in Dagana have become self-sufficient. Thanks to the support from the Food Security and Agriculture Productivity Project for the last five years. The project supplied farmers with tools, machinery, and materials to increase productivity and income. The five-year project in the district concludes this month. The sound of portable power tillers now fills the fields in...

Sanitation and hygiene in healthcare centres have seen significant improvements nationwide in recent years according to local leaders and health officials. They attribute this to the introduction of the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool or the WASH FIT programme. However, they are now calling for more inclusive facilities to better accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly and...