Linking Smallholder Farmers and School through Contract Farming in Gasa, Bhutan

Abstract

As contract farming (CF) is a recent phenomenon in Bhutan, less is known about it. Therefore, this study explored the practices, benefits, and challenges of CF in Khamoed gewog of Gasa district in Bhutan. Data were collected from the Bjishong Central School's mess committee members, chairpersons of farmers' groups (FGs), and members of FGs. The results showed that, amongst others, CF improved in smallholder farmers in terms of production, marketing, and household income. Similarly, the result also illustrated improved access to quantity and quality vegetables for school. However, both parties expressed several challenges of CF that need to be addressed for the long-term sustenance of such linkage systems. This paper discusses the modality of CF, the challenges and benefits of CF, and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of CF.