Bhutan To Be First Country to Go 100% Organic
If there was ever a nation that could see the purpose behind organic, sustainable farming, it would be a nation that is composed mostly of farmers. Such a place does exist, and it soon may be the first nation to go 100% organic, paving the way for others to do the same on a global scale.
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is known for a high level of citizen happiness, but it is doing something even more noteworthy in the near future.
With Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley making a major announcement regarding the organic farming project at the Rio+20 Conference on Sustainable Development which took place last month, the move has made national headlines. It’s called the National Organic Policy, and it is fueled by the simple concept that working ‘in harmony with nature’ will yield the most powerful results — all without sacrificing human health or the environment.
What this comes down to is no GMO, no pesticides, no herbicides, no fluoride-based spray products, no Monsanto intrusion at all, and a whole lot of high quality food available for the 700,000 citizens of Bhutan. Food that, at one time, was simply called ‘food’. In the statement to other policy makers, Prime Minister Jigmi Thinley explained the move:
“By working in harmony with nature, they can help sustain the flow of nature’s bounties.”
Bhutan’s land currently supplys most corn, rice, fruits, and some vegetables, and it is perfectly positioned to begin developing 100% organic farming. In addition to containing a population that is mostly farmers, it also has extremely rich lands that are truly beyond what many consider organic.
Some lands in Bhutan have not even been touched with harsh chemicals of any kind, and traditional techniques are utilized to produce high yields without Monsanto dipping into the pockets of family farmers. This is in sharp contrast to India’s farming community, which has been shafted by Monsanto and subsequently nicknamed the ‘suicide belt‘ due to the rampant suicides that can be blamed in part by Monsanto-induced financial ruin.
Australian adviser to Bhutan, Andre Leu, explains:
“I don’t think it’s going to be that difficult given that the majority of the agricultural land is already organic by default.”
The shift is certainly inspiring, but it also reminds us about the true lunacy of designating foods as ‘organic’ and ‘traditional’ in modern society. These Bhutan farmers are not growing magic beans or enchanted corn, they are growing real food. Actual food as it was grown for thousands of years. It’s only now, with the advent of ways in which we can toxify our crops, do we value organic as if it were some privilege or act of class. When it comes down to it, we just want real food.
This is exactly a place I'm looking for. That is wonderful to hear.
this is so awesome:D
I want to live there asap 🙂
To bad here in the USA they cannot or will not come to the same conclusions.
The rest will follow
I had been to Batanes island and worked with some of the farmers of the area.
As a matter of policy, according to them, the Provincial Government does not allow chemical farm inputs
to be used in farming. Bhutan's organic farming practice must be replicated in other countries.
This is great news! Let's hope everyone catches on and demand for the same.
I will consider living there, west is not anymore good place to live. We should leave all politicians to eat and live in GM society with their scientist
Eco-tourism is also possible. How about a planned retirement community for foreigners to live there? Such an organic example can only help other countries. Thank you.
The Indian State of Sikkim is also completely Organic already. It is declared policy. Visiting there in November 2102 it was a joy to see the beautiful condition of the country and know that the earth was not being poisoned at least in these pristine himalayan foothills. As Chairman of ORGANIC INDIA pvt Ltd I know that Organic Agriculture can sustainably supply our food needs, and create a better world for all living things. Our farmers produce abundance, higher yields and with much lower costs after a few years transition.
Our government can't seem to stay out of farming….Many years ago they started paying farmers NOT to grow crops like syobeans,corn or cotton…now all crops that are dominated by BigAg. Then they paid farmers to quit raising dairy cows here in New York some years ago and some actually took them up on the offer. It changed the landscape of our little town forever. Until the revolving door between "BigAg" and Washington closes our country will never be free of GMOs. Bill Gates does not want this to happen since he has invested millions on GMOs, although I will bet you big money he doesn't eat it himself. The only vote you have is with your pocket book. Buy only organic, but if not organic, at least locally grown food. Or better yet, grow your own from heirloom seeds so that you can save them for next year to plant.
Nice to see and like somebody already mentioned too bad that our countries in North America blinded by money won't follow.
We wouldn't have to designate "organic" or otherwise if pesticides and herbicides were eliminated. I grow lots of Crimson Runners (beans) and some insects loved the leaves. Without any intervention on my part the Lady Bugs came (Lady Bird Beetles). Nature at work! Shelled some beans yesterday and no harm done to the end result. Yum!
WOW… some excellent news about organics!!!
Silly me… I wrote to President Obama. EVERYONE CAN AND SHOULD DO THIS. I wanted to know why he was not addressing this issue, GMO's and chemicals that Europe has banned and we still use here in the states. His wife has her own garden that the Whitehouse chefs cook from.
Just a PS:) You can voice and email questions to the White House. Really simple to do. I did it.
It should go viral… I WISH to get something done in this country!
All I can say that these small countries that have gone Organic must have only SMART people living there.
We lack these type of people in North America!
The SMART peple unfortunately are US who have no say and the people who think and act like they are smart are the greedy, unethical ones,not at all smart but are being paid BIG to continue to cause the demise of our health and the demise of this planet.
Yes, It would be WONDERFUL to live in these SMART Countries!
There is nothing more precious than our Health!
It could be called Lazy too. Someone else will do it. Look at Wallstreet and the group called 'Occupation'. Put down by our own government.
I like the fact that Equadore's elected president, (who was re-elected on Sunday)… took those banks out of the equation for the betterment of the people.
and best too you Australia on your fight with fluoride in the water supply, God be with us all and protect us from all these chemicals in everything now a days , from these evil governments,corporations ,and FACK thier stupid NWO when all we want is a nice clean earth for all of us ,our kids and the animals!
Fantastic ! Great News ! Good things are happening around the planet,..one thing here, one there,..people are awakening,..and when shared and others learn there are better ways,..this should help open their eyes and get on board . I guess we have to go through the bad to awaken, appreciate the good , and get motivated. Shared. Thank You !
I need to move there…..
We provide pure organic products i.e. MSG Products used in Kitchen and other areas. we provides , Pulses, Ghee, pickle, Atta, MSG beauty products etc.
Dear Sir,
Thanks For Such Information, Your Article Is Very Useful for Everyone.
Adya Organics Provides Organics Products In All Over India.
This is wonderful. We too are practicing 100% Organic Farming in our farm.
We make Organic and Pure Cow Ghee, Pure Unrefined Organic and Cold pressed coconut oil, gingelly oil, groundnut oil, etc.