BBSCL

After more than a decade, winter cropping is making a comeback in Phangyuel Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang, thanks to the restoration of the irrigation water supply. Farmers have begun cultivating crops and vegetables, ensuring greater self-sufficiency. They say this has not only boosted summer agriculture but has also revived winter cropping, offering them new opportunities to improve their livelihoods.  The fields,...

With around Nu 10.6bn received in foreign grant in the last financial year, Bhutan's foreign grant has dropped by over 26 per cent compared to the previous year. Bhutan received around Nu 14.4bn in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, according to the Annual Financial Statements. This change came as Bhutan transitioned from a Least Developed Country to a developing nation, impacting...

Boulder exporters in Samtse are urging the government to expedite the formalisation and reopening of the Duarpani trade route. Despite infrastructure readiness on the Bhutanese side for nearly two years, the trade route still remains closed. Exporters say the prolonged closure has significantly impacted exports, leading to increased operational costs and reduced profitability. The exporters' group in Samtse constructed a...

The Indonesian province of Bali, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is considering adopting a tourism policy similar to Bhutan’s. They are planning to introduce a daily tourist fee to manage the growing number of visitors and its adverse impacts. As Bali considers implementing a daily tourism levy identical to Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), Bhutanese tourism officials...