WHERE
Bhutan, Bumthang district; Chumig county; Domkhar village.
CONTEXT
The Bumthang district, located in the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, encompasses mountain landscapes and rural communities rich in cultural traditions. In the village of Domkhar, in the gewog of Chumig, approximately 600 people live across 90 smallholder farming families who depend almost entirely on the cultivation of wheat, barley, and buckwheat, as well as livestock farming.
About 30% of households are headed by women or elderly people, who are particularly vulnerable due to labour shortages and difficulties accessing markets. Grain processing still relies on manual methods or water mills, requiring very long processing times and considerable physical effort.
The absence of local processing facilities often forces farmers to travel to nearby villages, reducing both productivity and product quality. The lack of economic opportunities also drives youth migration. The project aims to improve the living conditions of smallholder farmers by introducing community mechanised mills, promoting food security, profitability, social inclusion, and rural resilience.
OBJECTIVES
To contribute to improving food security, living conditions, and economic resilience of smallholder farmers in the village of Domkhar (Chumey Gewog), through the mechanisation of post-harvest stages within one year.
To improve the working and economic conditions of farmers by 30% through the efficient use of the community mill, while strengthening the skills of 20 young farmers in the management and maintenance of the facility.
ACTIVITIES
- Establishment of the Project Committee
Formation of a committee composed of representatives from the three partner organisations, responsible for coordination, activity monitoring, engagement of local authorities, and operational project management. - Installation of the community mill
Construction and commissioning of a community processing facility for buckwheat and wheat, located at the group house di Domkhar, easily accessible to the 90 farming households. The mill will include modern machinery to increase productivity and reduce manual labour. - Training of 20 young farmers (50% women)
Organisation of a two-week practical training course for 20 young farmers, aimed at strengthening skills in machinery use, safety, and maintenance, hygienic production management, and services administration. - Creation of a transparent financial management system
Introduction of a community fee system to cover the operational and maintenance costs of the mill, managed by a treasurer of the Domkhar Farmers Group with transparent records and periodic audits by the gewog.
RESULTS
- One community mill facility for buckwheat and wheat processing installed and operative.
- 20 young farmers of which 50% women trained in mill use and maintenance.
- A transparent and shared fee system to maintain the mill unit established.
- A strong community, partner and donor visibility guarantee.
BENEFICIARIES
Direct beneficiaries: The direct beneficiaries of the project are the group of approximately 20 women who will manage the mill and receive training in its operation and maintenance.
Indirect beneficiaries: The indirect beneficiaries of the project are the 90 farming families of the village, totalling approximately 600 people, of whom 350 are male and 250 female.
PARTNER
The Dzomkhar village Committee;
Druk Nyo Foundation;