In Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, farmers are increasingly turning to hazelnuts as a high-value crop to improve their livelihoods. Mountain Hazelnuts, a social enterprise, has been distributing hazelnut saplings to thousands of farmers since 2011. The initiative aims to help subsistence farmers develop a profitable crop that can thrive in Bhutan's challenging mountainous terrain.
Hazelnuts grow well at high altitudes and on mountainsides, requiring no ploughing and helping to fix soil in place. Despite initial setbacks, including a mismatch between production and pollinator saplings, and the impact of the pandemic, the project is now gaining traction. Farmers like Pema Dema and Dawa Dhendup are seeing increasing yields and are optimistic about the future.
Investors have so far committed $36 million to Mountain Hazelnuts, with the company aiming to become cash flow positive by 2031. The enterprise hopes to reach 10,000 metric tons of production, up from the current 30 metric tons. As hazelnut trees reach maturity, yields are expected to increase, offering a promising future for Bhutan's farming community.
FAQ
Q: Why are Bhutanese farmers turning to hazelnuts? A: Hazelnuts are a high-value crop that can thrive in Bhutan's mountainous terrain, offering a better price and long-term benefits for farmers.
Q: What challenges has the hazelnut project faced? A: The project faced initial setbacks such as a mismatch between production and pollinator saplings, and the impact of the pandemic, but these have been addressed through grafting and other measures.
Q: How has the project benefited farmers? A: Farmers have seen increasing yields and are optimistic about the future, with some already benefiting from stabilized soil and higher prices for their nuts.
Q: What are the future plans for Mountain Hazelnuts? A: The company aims to become cash flow positive by 2031 and increase production to 10,000 metric tons, up from the current 30 metric tons.
