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,...

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...

The people of Shali village in Pema Gatshel’s Shumar Gewog celebrated the consecration of their newly renovated two-storey community, Lhakhang. The reconstruction began in 2020 and was completed in August this year, costing Nu 6 M. The new Lhakhang provides a spacious hall and better facilities for community rituals. Shortage of space was a problem for the people while conducting...

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...