1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Approach

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

Strengthening national-level institutional and professional capacities of country Parties towards enhanced UNCCD monitoring and reporting – GEF 7 EA Umbrella II (GEF 7 UNCCD Enabling Activities_Umbrella II)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Approach (if relevant)

National Soil Services Centre, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (NSSC) - Bhutan

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

When were the data compiled (in the field)?

17/07/2023

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

2.1 Short description of the Approach

The integrated model farm approach to organic farming incorporates various agricultural practices and technologies to optimize productivity and maximize sustainability while reducing negative environmental impacts.

2.2 Detailed description of the Approach

Detailed description of the Approach:

This integrated model farm incorporates and demonstrates various principles and practices of organic farming. Such a farm utilizes diverse cropping systems, including crop rotation and intercropping, to promote diversity and reduce monoculture. These cropping systems contribute to improved soil health, reduced pests and diseases, and enhanced overall ecosystem resilience. Organic farming places significant emphasis on soil health, with integrated model farms using compost, vermicompost, and farmyard manure (FYM), as well as practices such as green manuring, mulching, and cover cropping. Livestock are also an integral part of these farms, contributing to nutrient cycling, weed control, and soil improvement. Overall, organic integrated model farms aim to reduce negative environmental impacts and promote sustainability.

The Organic Agriculture Hub in Mendrelgang Gewog, located in Tsirang Dzongkhag, has been established to support Bhutan's vision of becoming 100% organic. This hub is situated on private farmland spanning 8 acres (3.2 ha) and features various facilities, including a biodigester, azolla (an aquatic fern) and water harvesting tank, greenhouse, zero-energy cooling chamber, compost shed, and a vermiculture production house. Two types of worms, red wigglers and African night crawlers, are used for vermicompost production. Additionally, the hub serves as an educational center for researchers, farmers, and students. It is managed by the landowner, Phurba Moktan.
The establishment of the hub involved multiple stakeholders, including local organizations, the National Organic Flagship Programme, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - and land users. The National Organic Flagship Programme, Green Climate Fund, and Rapid Financing Facility under UNDP provided support for the project, which cost more than US$ 3500. The local administration secured funds, and agriculture and livestock officials offered technical assistance to the land users, who conducted fieldwork related to organic production.
The establishment of the hub followed a systematic approach, starting with the development of a clear vision and objectives centered on sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of organic farming principles. Site selection and analysis took into account factors like soil quality, water availability, and proximity to markets. The farm layout was designed to optimize space utilization and support biodiversity, with the inclusion of a biodigester, water harvesting tank, vermiculture facilities, compost pit and a greenhouse.
The benefits of this approach include raising awareness about transitioning to organic farming through the model farm - and learning the associated practices. However, one disadvantage of organic farming is that it can be more labour-intensive than conventional practices.

2.3 Photos of the Approach

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Approach has been applied

2.6 Dates of initiation and termination of the Approach

2.7 Type of Approach

• project/ programme based

2.8 Main aims/ objectives of the Approach

-Promote organic farming through the use of organic technologies and practices.

2.9 Conditions enabling or hindering implementation of the Technology/ Technologies applied under the Approach

3.1 Stakeholders involved in the Approach and their roles

3.2 Involvement of local land users/ local communities in the different phases of the Approach

	Involvement of local land users/ local communities	Specify who was involved and describe activities
initiation/ motivation	external support	The idea of establishing the Organic Agriculture Hub was proposed by the Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer. Subsequently, the ADAO and Extension teams incorporated their suggestions into his farm.
planning	interactive	The Organic Agriculture Hub's complete establishment was a collaborative effort involving the land users, the Dzongkhag administration, Dzongkhag and Gewog agriculture officials.
implementation	interactive	The land users, Dzongkhag administration, Dzongkhag and Gewog agriculture officials implemented the entire Organic Agriculture Hub establishment.
monitoring/ evaluation	interactive	Land users, ADAO, NCOA and BFDA officials, as well as the Agriculture Extension Officer, are jointly monitoring the hub.

3.3 Flow chart (if available)

3.4 Decision-making on the selection of SLM Technology/ Technologies

Were decisions on the selection of the Technology(ies) made:

• The idea for establishing the Organic Agriculture Hub and the identification of organic technologies and practices to be adopted by the land users were initiated by the Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer and the Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer.

Explain:

The idea for establishing the Organic Agriculture Hub and the identification of organic technologies and practices to be adopted by the land users were initiated by the Assistant Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer and the Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer.

Specify on what basis decisions were made:

• personal experience and opinions (undocumented)

4.1 Capacity building/ training

Was training provided to land users/ other stakeholders?

Yes

Specify who was trained:

• land users

If relevant, specify gender, age, status, ethnicity, etc.

Both men and women.

Form of training:

• demonstration areas

Subjects covered:

Preparation of biochar, rain water harvesting, composting and azolla production.

4.2 Advisory service

Do land users have access to an advisory service?

Yes

Specify whether advisory service is provided:

• on land users' fields

Describe/ comments:

The advisory service and assistance is provided by ADAO, officials from Agriculture Research and Development Center (ARDC) in Bajo and Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer.

4.3 Institution strengthening (organizational development)

Have institutions been established or strengthened through the Approach?

• yes, moderately

Specify the level(s) at which institutions have been strengthened or established:

• local

Describe institution, roles and responsibilities, members, etc.

The approach has promoted collaboration between research center and the local government.

Specify type of support:

• capacity building/ training

Give further details:

Research center provides technical assistance to the land users on various agricultural technologies and practices. The farm serves as an educational or organic training centre for interested farmers, researchers, and students.

4.4 Monitoring and evaluation

Is monitoring and evaluation part of the Approach?

Yes

If yes, is this documentation intended to be used for monitoring and evaluation?

No

4.5 Research

Was research part of the Approach?

No

5.1 Annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach

Indicate the annual budget for the SLM component of the Approach in US$:

2914.63

Comments (e.g. main sources of funding/ major donors):

1. 70% of the cost by RGoB/NOFP: 281220.00
2. 30% of the cost sharing by farmers: 84,367.00
3. GCF: Compost shed and biochar materials

5.2 Financial/ material support provided to land users

Did land users receive financial/ material support for implementing the Technology/ Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify type(s) of support, conditions, and provider(s):

Financial support with construction materials (cement, CGI sheet, iron rods, water pump, pipes and syntax) were provided.

5.3 Subsidies for specific inputs (including labour)

• equipment

• agricultural

• construction

• infrastructure

If labour by land users was a substantial input, was it:

• paid in cash

Comments:

Inputs were based on government policy and projects plan

5.4 Credit

Was credit provided under the Approach for SLM activities?

No

5.5 Other incentives or instruments

Were other incentives or instruments used to promote implementation of SLM Technologies?

Yes

If yes, specify:

Plastic mulch was provided to the land users based on their proactiveness in farming.

6.1 Impacts of the Approach

6.2 Main motivation of land users to implement SLM

6.3 Sustainability of Approach activities

Can the land users sustain what has been implemented through the Approach (without external support)?

• yes

If yes, describe how:

Land users will achieve self-sustainability without the need for external support, as their existing farming practices have been diversified and integrated.

6.4 Strengths/ advantages of the Approach

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Creating awareness about going organic through model farm.
The soil is safeguarded and maintains its health by refraining from using chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers in the farming process. This practice ensures the long-term preservation of soil fertility.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
Organic technologies promote farm sustainability.

6.5 Weaknesses/ disadvantages of the Approach and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Reluctance to adopt the latest technology	Raising awareness and showcasing technology to the users
Sustainability of technology	Enhancing skills and extending knowledge with appropriate support

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.3 Links to relevant information which is available online

Title/ description:

Organic hub for an organic Bhutan

URL:

https://kuenselonline.com/organic-hub-for-an-organic-bhutan/

Title/ description:

Agriculture organic hub to help achieve country’s 100 percent organic goal

URL:

http://www.bbs.bt/news/?p=179098