Food systems progress in Bhutan, grounded in Gross National Happiness

Bhutan has published its Second National Food Systems Stocktake Report, charting steady progress in turning its national food systems pathways into action while staying true to its guiding philosophy of Gross National Happiness. The report shows how communities, government and partners are working together to strengthen resilient agriculture, improve nutrition and support rural livelihoods – from climate-resilient irrigation and protective fencing that safeguard farmland, to youth-led farms and digital tools linking producers to markets. The overall picture is one of practical transformation shaped by local priorities and participation.

Turning plans into practice

Since submitting its pathways in 2021, Bhutan has advanced a wide range of initiatives aligned with its vision for sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient food systems by 2030. More than four million fruit trees have been planted by households across the country, expanding future food and income sources. New irrigation schemes and land restoration efforts are improving water security and bringing underused land back into production, while climate-smart technologies and improved seeds are helping farmers increase yields and resilience. Digital platforms – from real-time market price systems to farm registration tools – are also strengthening farmers’ access to information, services and markets.

Nutrition and livelihoods at the centre

Nutrition and community wellbeing remain central to Bhutan’s approach. The One Child, One Egg initiative — which provides a daily egg to schoolchildren through locally sourced supply chains — now reaches tens of thousands of students, improving nutrition while creating reliable markets for farmers. Programmes connecting farmer groups with schools and other institutions are creating more reliable markets for local produce, while youth-focused initiatives are supporting new agri-enterprises and encouraging young people to see agriculture as a modern, viable livelihood.

Advancing implementation through national dialogue

This shift toward implementation is also reflected in Bhutan’s latest national dialogue. From 25–27 March 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, in collaboration with FAO Bhutan and the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub, convened its annual MoAL Conference in Bumthang under the theme “From policy and strategy to implementation: advancing agrifood systems transformation.”

Bringing together over 130 participants –  including policymakers, extension officers and local government representatives from across 20 Dzongkhags – the conference focused on reviewing progress under the 13th Five-Year Plan, discussing key policy directions, and identifying strategic priorities for Bhutan’s agrifood systems.

In his keynote address, His Excellency Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized the importance of stronger coordination across institutions – from policymakers and researchers to local governments and field extension personnel – to respond to emerging challenges and deliver meaningful results.

Discussions also highlighted strengthening linkages between research, policy and action, improving market access, expanding insurance and cost-sharing mechanisms, and leveraging digital systems to support more data-driven decision-making, alongside sharing experiences and lessons from the field.

Photo credit: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan

Building on momentum… towards the First Global Conscious Food Systems Summit

Together, these efforts reflect Bhutan’s commitment to food systems that support both people and nature – closely tied to its broader development vision of wellbeing and environmental stewardship. As the Royal Government of Bhutan prepares to host the first Global Conscious Food Systems Summit from August 31^st to September 4^th 2026, its continued efforts to transform national food systems will inspire discussions, sharing and learning amongst policymakers, consumers, farmers, civil society organizations, and consciousness practitioners from around the world. Organized with the Conscious Food Systems Alliance, of which the Hub is a supporting member the Summit will demonstrate the vital role of culture, values, spirituality, happiness and inner development for accelerating systemic change. It will catalyze movement-building, collective action and investments for the integration of the “inner dimension” of food systems transformation at international, national and local levels. The Summit will also provide a unique and innovative space for practitioners to start reflecting on what food systems may look like beyond 2030.

Find out how you can be part of the journey on https://consciousfoodsystems.org/bhutan-summit-2026/