BBSCL

Growing perilla was once a common practice for the farmers of Gomder Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar. However, over the years, interest in perilla cultivation has waned, and it is on the brink of disappearance. Today, only one villager in Bazor village continues to grow the herb. Some 20 years ago, farmers in Bazor village used to grow perilla abundantly. Perilla,...

Bhutanese living abroad collectively remitted more than USD 210 M between August last year and October this year, according to the Central Bank’s monthly statistical bulletin. December last year saw the highest monthly remittance, nearly USD 29 M. Australia emerged as the top source of remittances, with contributions rising from USD 1.87 M in August 2023 to a peak of...

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...

A decade ago, the people of Khangma Chiwog in Pema Gatshel’s Yurung Gewog began growing cardamom to boost their income and improve their livelihood. While the crop helped them make money, it didn’t meet their expectations. However, cardamom prices have doubled this year, bringing farmers significant financial relief. The residents of Khangma Chiwog began cultivating cardamom about ten years ago...