Minor Cereals and Food Security in the Marginal Areas of Bhutan

AUTHOR: Wangda Dukpa

ABSTRACT

A random household survey was conducted in 2002-2003 in seven districts with a sample size of 10%, covering 250 households, to document the farming practices of minor cereals (buckwheat, barley and finger millet), their roles in household food security and to assess future potential. The study revealed that barley and buckwheat are predominantly grown in high AEZ and finger millet in mid AEZ respectively. Minor cereals are cultivated under subsistence farming for home consumption. Farmers have mixed perceptions on the cultivation trend and the cultivation practices vary between AEZs. An estimated net return of Nu.2258, Nu.1982 and Nu.156 are obtained per hectare from barley, buckwheat and finger millet respectively. Results revealed that 61% of buckwheat, 37% of barley and 47% of finger millet are consumed as food. Minor cereals supplement rice and maize, and substitute other cereals during the lean period (March-June). The importance of minor cereals in food security at different AEZ and their future potential in the farming systems in the marginal areas are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

Minor cereals, food security, marginal areas, Agroecological zones (AEZ), cropping pattern

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