A Message from TOMONORI MATSUURA
Representative, Bhutan Organic Project (BOP)
Hello everyone,
Thank you sincerely for visiting this blog.
My name is Tomonori Matsuura, and I am honored to serve as the Representative of the Bhutan Organic Project (BOP). I come from Japan, and for more than 30 years, I have dedicated my life to organic agriculture — from production and distribution to education, organizational development, public lectures, and publishing.
Throughout my journey, one belief has guided me:
Agriculture, environment, and future generations are deeply connected.
It is this belief that brought me to Bhutan.
Why is BOP Operated on a Volunteer Basis?
BOP is driven by a spirit of volunteerism, in collaboration with JICA, DAMC, NCOA, and Bhutanese companies.
Why volunteer?
Because Bhutan is not just another country.
Bhutan carries a bold and inspiring vision — to become a 100% organic nation.
Farmers, government agencies, businesses, and consumers are already making strong efforts. Yet the expansion of organic agriculture still faces many challenges.
That is why individuals who believe in the importance of organic farming — beyond positions, titles, or personal interests — have come together as members of BOP.
We are united by one shared purpose:
To support Bhutan’s organic journey with sincerity and long-term commitment.
(Featured in Kuensel:
https://kuenselonline.com/news/organic-project-boosts-yield-and-income-in-chanachen)
Our Current Activities
At NCOA Yusipang, we are conducting trials of a “low-input organic farming approach” designed specifically for Bhutan’s climate and soil conditions.
This method:
• Reduces dependency on external inputs
• Improves soil health
• Aims to increase farmers’ income sustainably
Learn more:
https://borganicproject.bt/ncoa/
In addition, we are implementing field trials in Chanachen village, Chukha Dzongkhag, as a model organic village.
Chanachen is becoming a living example of how organic farming can improve both yield and income — naturally.
Read more about Chanachen:
https://borganicproject.bt/meet-chanachen-the-village-growing-change-naturally/
https://borganicproject.bt/chanachen-model-organic-village/
We sincerely hope these efforts will expand across Bhutan, step by step, village by village.
Lessons from Japan: Why This Matters
Allow me to share a lesson from Japan.
In the past, Japan prioritized rapid economic growth. But this came at a heavy cost. Severe environmental pollution occurred — contaminated water, degraded soil, and serious health damage.
One tragic example was Minamata disease, later portrayed in the film “MINAMATA.”
Today, Minamata has recovered and is known as a symbol of environmental restoration. But that recovery came after deep suffering.
From that painful experience, we learned a vital truth:
Protecting the environment means protecting the future.
Bhutan has the opportunity to protect its environment before facing such consequences.
This is why Bhutan’s organic vision is so important — not only for today, but for generations to come.
Organic Agriculture is an Investment in the Future
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides may offer short-term convenience.
But long-term sustainability requires deeper thinking.
Organic agriculture:
• Protects the soil
• Protects water sources
• Preserves biodiversity
• Safeguards future generations
There is a saying:
“The environment we live in is something we borrow from future generations.”
This philosophy strongly resonates with Bhutan’s values and its commitment to Gross National Happiness.
Organic farming is not simply a method of cultivation.
It is a promise to children yet to be born.
A Message to Everyone
We kindly invite you to:
• Choose certified organic vegetables and processed products
• Support farmers who are committed to sustainable practices
• Encourage the growth of Bhutan’s organic movement
Every individual choice matters.
Every purchase is a vote for the kind of future we want to build.
From now on, members of BOP will take turns sharing stories, insights, and updates through this blog.
We warmly invite you to continue reading and walking this journey with us.
Together, let us grow Bhutan’s future — organically.
With gratitude,
Tomonori Matsuura
Representative, Bhutan Organic Project (BOP)