Sangay Norzom, a 65-year-old farmer in Nganglam, Pemagatshel, received a user-friendly mini-tiller as part of a cost-sharing initiative by CARLEP. The initiative aims to raise incomes and reduce rural poverty in Bhutan’s subsistence-based agriculture. Mini-tillers, priced at Nu 40,789, were distributed 50:50 by Agri Mart, reducing labor-saving features and reducing manual labor, according to farmers. Women-friendly mini-tillers included in CARLEP’s core components, benefiting female farmers. 416 tillers have been provided, acknowledging declining agricultural production in Bhutan.
He claims that in order to encourage farmers to reduce labor shortage issues and to properly use ministry funds for greater efficiency, farm mechanization has become crucial. Khandu, a 50-year-old farmer and Tshogpa of Norbugang Chiwog, has already begun converting 70 decimals of his land into cultivable plots with CARLEP’s assistance. The International Fund for Agricultural Development provides funding for the CARLEP, which is implemented under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The Program Management Office may be found at ARDC, Wengkhar, Mongar. By June of the following year, the project is anticipated to formally close after ten years.