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The chosen ones will be from the uneducated farmers’ lot who will earn around Nu 400,000 during their seven-month stay there An elderly couple enjoying the dusk on a New Zealand farm. The Bhutanese workers recruited to the country will be employed in the agriculture, food canning and fruit plucking sectors. | (photo courtesy: Boston Globe) About 2,000 farmers and seasonal workers will be soon living the dream of working abroad. This is after... (more...)

The education ministry is coming out with a Special Education Policy at a time when the country is being blamed as disabled unfriendly.  The program expects to be the first comprehensive document aimed at addressing needs of the 8,000 odd ‘differently-abled’ Bhutanese. “Once the policy is in place, we are targeting at least one school for special needs in every dzongkhag,” said Pema Chhogyel, the program officer. Till now, there was no policy... (more...)

Govt. plans massive subsidies for farmers including a minimum support price, free livestock, free seeds, fiscal incentives, discounted fertilizers, tax breaks and more A 14-page agricultural subsidy policy may revolutionize the lives of Bhutanese farmers. Called the “Renewable Natural Resource Subsidy Policy,” it could change the face of Bhutanese agriculture and uplift the lives of farmers by providing various subsidies including a minimum support... (more...)

The Centenary Farmers Market will be used three days a week to market local handicrafts The government has approved in principle to set up a non-profit agency to promote local crafts. The Department of Cottage and Small Industry (DCSI) is taking the lead role in forming the agency. The project, named Cultural Track, is expected to generate more jobs. “We will be the main agency to implement and formulate a frame for cultural track,” said the director... (more...)

Thimphu residents can have a treat to various products ranging from Indian fast food, Bangladeshi carpets, Buddha statues from Nepal, and jazzy vehicles from Singapore at the first ever international trade fair that opened yesterday outside the Changlimithang Stadium. The five-day fair, which ends on September 7, is also expected to provide a platform to market Bhutan’s foreign investment opportunities in the region and strengthen trade relations. Including... (more...)

The first spelling competition for local whiz kids aired on television is increasingly becoming popular with both students and parents The host, Thinley Yangchen Dorji, (right) testing the contestants. As the video camera zooms in and the floor manager signals the audience to applaud, the four junior high student participants from two schools stand with flushed faces and attempts to give in their best shot. “Welcome to Super Spellers – Spell... (more...)

The coming of Buddha Air has broken the monopoly of Druk Air in the aviation business. In the face of the new entrant and the subsequent evolution of responsibilities in the aviation sector, the director general of the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Phala Dorji, talks to Business Bhutan reporter Sonam Pelden on tropical issues in the sector. Phala Dorji Q1. Can you please outline the expansion plans of the Paro International Airport? And how... (more...)