The Agriculture Research and Development Center (ARDC) Bajo has officially launched its on-station rice research activities for the year 2025, beginning with mechanized paddy transplantation. This initiative marks a major step toward enhancing sustainable rice production through improved efficiency and innovation.
A total of seven acres has been allocated exclusively for rice research trials at the Centre. These trials will focus on evaluating promising rice varieties, characterizing local premium rice, optimizing agronomic practices, and integrating mechanization to improve productivity while reducing labour demands.
Such research efforts are vital to strengthening Bhutan’s rice sector, ensuring long-term food security, and supporting the nation’s overarching goal of building a resilient and self-reliant agricultural system.