Agriculture remains the primary livelihood for the majority of the Bhutanese population, though it is largely subsistence-based due to the steep, challenging terrain. Only about 2-3% of Bhutan's total land area is arable.
Major crops include rice (particularly the nutrient-rich red rice), maize, wheat, buckwheat, potatoes, and apples. Cash crops like cardamom and citrus are increasingly important for export. High-altitude communities rely heavily on livestock, specifically yaks, for dairy, meat, and wool, while cattle and poultry are raised in the lower valleys.
Bhutan has stated a long-term, ambitious goal to become a 100% organic farming nation, heavily restricting the import and use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides to protect the environment and promote healthy food production.