BBSCL

Quinoa farmers can now look forward to a better market for the product. Locally known as Ashi Heychum, the crop’s marketability will be improved as food-based entrepreneurs in the country are trained to enhance their skills in value addition and food product development. This means growers can sell their produce in various product forms. This is expected to encourage large-scale...

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...

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...

The development of Gelephu International Airport is progressing, with a geotechnical investigation currently underway in Samtenling Gewog. Four teams are conducting surveys at various locations to gather data about the soil and rock conditions at the proposed site. During the 117th National Day celebrations on Tuesday, His Majesty The King announced that the airport construction will begin next year and...