Will Bhutan Be the First Fully Organic Country in the World?

Bhutan Kingdom, a small state in South Asia, between India and China, announced that in the near future it will turn agriculture into 100% organic farming. Some circles think it is an expected decision because they have integrated sustainable farming methods for years into their practice. "Sustainability" approach means to provide sufficient and high quality production by protecting agricultural resources and natural agricultural resources while sustainable development combines economic and social development together with protection of natural environment.



For the Bhutanese government, this decision is a normal extension of Bhutan's philosophy of life. According to this philosophy, most states in the world do not encourage real development, but only when material, emotional and spiritual good together. According to Bhutan, organic development and sustainable philosophies play an inclusive role in expressing how they live.


Bhutan's explanation made the environmentalists very happy because the economics of an ethnicity is shaped in accordance with environmental ethic rules. In 2011, the World Bank explored whether it would be possible. The result is that Bhutan is facing certain challenges. Only 8% of the country's land is suitable for agriculture, yet it accounts for more than 30% of gross domestic product. 38% of the working population is interested in agriculture. Forests cover only 75% of the country, but only 10% of the gross domestic product. However, according to Bhutan's view, forests are achieving goals that allow for proper land and water resource management and focus on sustainability goals with rural firewood.


30% of people living in rural areas are below the poverty line. The remote and isolated isolation of the villagers limits the public service and marketing opportunities. According to the World Bank, economic growth should include improvement of village roads and facilitation of access to rural areas for new technolo- gies. In its 5-year report covering 2008 - 2013, Bhutan pointed to these challenges and the steps that could be taken to overcome them. The low literacy rate among the population, the electricity that less than 40% of the population can reach, and the distress of the drinking water caused by the rural people.
Bhutan's 100% organic farming goal is a result of Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness and the four concepts it embraces: fair socio-economic development, conservation of nature, conservation and promotion of cultures, good governance. All this is an appreciated destination for a 21st century country. The success of Bhutan's 100% organic farming will not only show if sustainable life is possible for an entire country. At the same time, it will show whether there is a way to balance the ethical requirements and the needs and the competition of the national economy for a healthy environment.