Unforgettable memories from recent trip to Bhutan

My recent study tour to Japan was unforgettable. From getting things confiscated and losing of passport at the airport to trying Japanese foods and watching fireworks at the freezing ice festival, my first trip out of the country was terrifying yet memorable. The sweet-sour seafood in Bangkok which was against my pampered hot-chilli tastebuds almost let me go starving for two nights. The calorie-measured and limited amount of food in Japan was way away from being able to fill my big stomach. Following Japanese Ikagai where they leave 20% of their stomach unfilled was against my usual 3-plates full eating habit. In three weeks, I almost lost 4 kg but I am grateful for that because I became slim and bright 🤣🤣. I realised there are lots of secrets behind the fit physicality and longer lifespan of Japanese. It all starts with what and how they eat and drink. 

You know what? I never saw a Japanese who was either underweight or obese. The sizes of the clothes in the shopping mall were just S, M and L. NO XS, XL, XXL. Isn't it strange?

 

Always proud to be Bhutanese

Japan is known for cherry blossoms but how beautiful it is to see the blossoms of snow

Anyway, I attended a training on Regional Agribusiness Promotion by developing a Market-Oreinted Agriculture and Value-Chain Model at the Hokkaido International Center (JICA, Obihiro) in Tokachi from 12th January 2024 to 30th January 2024. Tokachi is one of the subprefectures of Hokkaido famously known for agricultural production and it has an impressive rate of 1200% food self-sufficiency. Its agricultural sector is a model system from which we can learn, replicate and adapt in Bhutan.

Besides the large agricultural production, Tokachi has vibrant value addition and market linkage in the agriculture sector. Various agencies collaborate in this effort. The research centres, mostly universities lead the research and development of new crops that are consumer-oriented and resistant to climate change, diseases and pests. The government agencies provide facilitation and certification support. The Agricultural Cooperatives of Japan (JA) formed by the farmers provide machinery, marketing and value-addition support to the farmers. This teaches us that strong collaboration among the relevant agencies is a must.

The agriculture production in Tokachi is market-oriented. Some of the customers (Wholesalers) even guide the farmers until the harvest so that the desired quality of the crop can be produced. On the other hand, the agriculture extension centres and research centres inspect and advise the farmers throughout the season to ensure that market-oriented crops are produced. This system eliminates the problem of marketing. It taught me the importance of the grow-to-sell approach.

To help small-scale farmers, Japan has introduced the concept of sixth industrialization where agriculture production, value-addition, processing, distribution and marketing are done by the producers themselves eliminating the middlemen that add cost of production. The integral core of the successful agricultural system in Japan is the determination and knowledge of the farmers. Almost all the farmers are educated and they are intrinsically driven to improve and maximise agricultural production through R&D, technology and artificial intelligence despite the declining working-age population. 

As a part of the training program, I have planned to revive/develop the roadside stations/farmer’s market shed along the Thimphu-Punakha National Highway, inspired by the concept of the sixth agricultural industrialization and roadside stations in Japan so that we can provide market opportunities for the farmer and encourage market-oriented agricultural production.

Experiences, Exposure and Knowledge gained from this lifetime opportunity enhanced my approach towards handling both official tasks and personal activities. Therefore, I am very grateful to JICA and the People of Japan for funding the training and providing my own home-like hospitality. Next, much grateful to DAMC, my parent agency for nominating me for the training. More importantly, the trust, guidance and support my boss provides me despite numerous shortfalls has actually helped me get my first ever out-of-country trip.

 Departure                                                                                                           Back to Bhutan

 

***Tashi Delek***