Farmers
FOR FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS
Working with over 8,000 smallholder grower households and community groups, across 19 of Bhutan's 20 districts and 4,250+ active orchard acres.
Farmers with access to suitable land and demonstrated commitment: Mountain Hazelnuts provides trees at no cost, consistent technical and field support, and a guarantee to purchase the nuts.
Landowners who would like their fallow land turned into a hazelnut orchard: Mountain Hazelnuts assists in fostering a cooperative relationship with farmers who need access to a suitable planting site.
Interested in our program? Register here:
WHERE HAZELNUTS THRIVE
Many mid-elevation areas in the Himalayas with sufficient rainfall meet the criteria for growing hazelnuts. With Bhutan’s agro-climatic profile, hazelnuts generally thrive between 1,600 and 3,000 meters. Trees are planted only in fallow land with a valid land title or lease and in accordance with national land use and environmental regulations. No hazelnuts may be planted in areas that are currently producing other crops.
BENEFITS OF HAZELNUTS
Growing hazelnuts reduces market risk compared to other crops that are suitable for Bhutan's mid-altitudes, where relatively few cash crops can be grown economically. The primary alternatives are apples, which require much greater investment and are difficult to transport from remote locations, and potatoes, which are subject to dramatic price fluctuations as demand is dependent on the Indian market.
Years of research show that hazelnuts grow reliably in Bhutan. Hazelnuts are a low-input crop, meaning farmers do not have to devote substantial labor or resources to their cultivation. In addition, Mountain Hazelnuts mitigates the risks to farmers by guaranteeing a profitable floor price for purchasing their nuts and providing extensive support and expertise.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hazelnut trees generally begin producing nuts after 4 to 5 years. The first several harvests tend to be small, but they steadily increase through years five, six and seven. During the first few winters, irrigation may be required to establish the trees. Farmers should control weeds in their fields. The Company’s Field Extension team works with farmers to determine how to most effectively control pests and protect orchards from animals.
SUPPORT FOR FARMERS
Growing a new crop such as hazelnuts requires support and expertise. Such assistance is provided at no cost:
Distribution
Deliver seedlings to the closest road point
Training & Study Tours
Group training during Outreach & Advocacy meetings
Demonstration and training conducted during planting of trees in each farmer’s field
Study tours for growers to nurseries in Lingmethang, Ngatshang and Bumthang, combined with visits to well-managed hazelnut orchards near their community
Field Extension team
The Field Extension team visits each orchard every 30 to 45 days to assess tree health and environmental conditions, while training growers in orchard management
Provide timely technical support in controlling diseases and pests
The Field Extension team and Mountain Hazelnuts experts assist farmers in setting up solar-powered electric fences to reduce damage from animals
JOIN THE HAZELNUT PROGRAM
Mountain Hazelnuts is expanding its partnership with new farmers and landowners.
If you are interested in joining the Hazelnut Partnership, please register via the link below, contact the Outreach & Advocacy team at info@mountainhazelnuts.com, call Field Support Toll Free Number: 1232, or speak with the Mountain Hazelnuts Field Extension team serving your community.
