Bhutan Launches Innovative Farm Action Toolkit with SERVIR and NASA Collaboration

In a significant leap towards enhancing sustainable agriculture in Bhutan, the Farm Action Toolkit service was officially launched in Thimphu on May 17, 2024. This pioneering initiative is a testament to the collaborative efforts between Bhutan’s implementing partners and the SERVIR Science Coordination Office (SCO), under the auspices of a NASA Interagency Agreement with the US Department of State to foster scientific advancement in Bhutan.

The ceremony, marked by insightful opening statements from key figures such as Manish Rai from Druk Holdings and Investments (DHI) and Andrea Goodman from the U.S. Department of State, underlined the service’s potential to revolutionize farming in Bhutan. The Farm Action Toolkit offers an array of Earth Observation-derived products designed to optimize crop area monitoring and yield predictions, explicitly tailored for pivotal crops like rice and maize between 2002 and 2023.

In the aftermath of the launch, a joint team from SERVIR SCO, led by Aparna R. Phalke, and Bhutan’s DHI engaged in meticulous field surveys in key agricultural regions using cutting-edge data collection tools, a methodology informed by the successful practices of SERVIR-West Africa. The surveys encompassed interviews with local farmers regarding their challenges with pests, diseases, and water management. Additionally, market analysis was conducted through comprehensive interviews with vendors to grasp the intricacies of the agricultural commodities supply chain.

Integral to this initiative was an emphasis on education and community outreach. Events at the Royal Thimphu College and the College of Natural Resources at the Royal University of Bhutan saw over 100 students engage with the program. These sessions were pivotal in highlighting NASA’s milestones and the role of Earth observations in tackling environmental challenges in Bhutan.

The Farm Action Toolkit service stands to empower Bhutan's journey towards agricultural self-sufficiency while cutting operational costs. Conceived through the lens of international cooperation, the service promises to be a cornerstone of Bhutan's farming future, deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and innovation.