Food Policy in Bhutan

Abstract

The food policy of Bhutan revolves around the plans, programmes, policies, acts and strategies of three departments of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, commonly referred to as the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) sector. Broadly, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, or the RNR sector is regarded as the custodian of food, agriculture, nutrition, land, environment and other natural resources. Bhutan does not have a food policy per sebut there are a number of related policies and acts that would serve as food policy guide for the country. Amongst many, the most relevant ones include the Food and Nutrition Security policy 2014, National Irrigation Policy 2012, the Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) Research policy 2012, the Livestock Act of Bhutan (2001) and five year plan strategy documents. All of these policies and acts are guided by the country's development philosophy of gross national happiness and Bhutan vision 2020 documents. Greater importance is attached to protection of environment and farm resources for sustainable livelihood and crop production. With emergence ofmalnutrition related diseases, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, together with the Ministry of Health and Education is embarking on improving food and nutrition security of the people. This paper presents the development strategies and policies of the Royal Government of Bhutan for food securityand self-sufficiency.