BBSCL

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...

In Samdrup Jongkhar, residents of Langchenphu Gewog are turning moringa leaves into a source of income. Farmers in the gewog sell the leaves to a youth-led enterprise that processes them into moringa tea. The Moringa tree, which is also called ‘the miracle tree’ or ‘the tree of life’, is considered one of the most nutrient-dense plants. The tree, known to...

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...

Access to water is essential for daily life, but not everyone has it 24/7. In Khainorong Village of Samdrup Jongkhar’s Gomdar Gewog, residents have been struggling with severe drinking water shortages. Their only water supply system, built 20 years ago, has never been upgraded, leaving the community desperate for a solution. The water supply has become inadequate with no major...