BBSCL

Delays in fully commissioning the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project are expected to affect economic growth in 2024. The country’s economy is now projected to grow by five per cent this year, over one percentage point lower than earlier estimates. The finance ministry, in its latest macroeconomic situation report, said that the downward revision was mainly due to the PHPA-II commissioning delay...

Non-performing loans or NPLs with the financial institutions surged to a staggering more than Nu 8bn by October this year. This is a jump of over Nu 1.16bn in just a year. Of the sectors, trade & commerce tops the list while the forestry and logging sector saw a sharp decline. Any loans that are overdue by 91 days or...

Quinoa farmers can now look forward to a better market for the product. Locally known as Ashi Heychum, the crop’s marketability will be improved as food-based entrepreneurs in the country are trained to enhance their skills in value addition and food product development. This means growers can sell their produce in various product forms. This is expected to encourage large-scale...

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...