BBSCL

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...

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...

The Royal Audit Authority has referred four fraud and corruption cases concerning the Thimphu Thromde in the 2023-2024 financial year to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). These cases included unauthorised granting of e-PEMS access to accountants, as well as discrepancies in non-revenue receipts. Additionally, potential misappropriation of funds and deposit of government funds into personal savings accounts, among other issues were...

In Pema Gatshel’s Shumar Gewog, the sound of bamboo being carved into bows and arrows echoes a story of tradition and income generation. Dorji Rinzin, a driver by profession, has turned his love for archery into a thriving craft. What began as a solution to avoid the expense of store-bought equipment has made him a sought-after artisan for bows and...