Inclusive Agri-Therapy Initiative Set to Launch Pilot Phase in Mongar

More than 20 partners gathered in Mongar for a stakeholder consultation on an inclusive agro-therapeutic rehabilitation model, which aims to integrate agriculture with rehabilitation, improving quality of life, and creating livelihood opportunities.

The event was organized by the Bhutan Stroke Foundation (BSF) with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as part of the project “Inclusive Agro-Therapeutic Approaches for Livelihoods and Vulnerable Youth.” The initiative aims to support people with disabilities, stroke survivors, and other vulnerable groups by integrating agricultural activities into therapeutic recovery and rehabilitation processes.

The consultation brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, rehabilitation and agricultural professionals, people with disabilities, stroke survivors, and those recovering from illness. Participants reviewed the conceptual design and site layout for the agrotherapeutic rehabilitation model, as well as a training manual on inclusive agrotherapeutic interventions adapted for people with disabilities. They provided feedback on technical feasibility, accessibility, relevance to rehabilitation, and practical implementation, and identified necessary revisions and next steps to finalize the documents before launching the pilot project.

The consultation was facilitated by FAO with the participation of Lead Technical Officer Tomomi Ishida from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. The pilot site in Mongar is being developed as a specialized training and demonstration space for inclusive agricultural activities.

Following the consultation, participants will participate in a three-day training program at the project site in Drepong Gewog, Mongar.