Chanachen: Model Organic Village,Gelling Gewog, Chhukha
Chanachen, a serene village nestled under Gelling Gewog in Chhukha Dzongkhag, is emerging as a trailblazer in Bhutan’s organic farming movement. Located across the Wangchhu River near the Chhukha Hydroelectric Power Plant, the village is accessible via a 10-kilometer farm road and situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level. Home to 22 households, Chanachen spans 130 acres of fertile agricultural land.
The community practices diverse crop cultivation—paddy, wheat, maize, mustard, buckwheat, quinoa, vegetables, fruits, and nuts—primarily for household use, with surplus produce sold in local markets. True to its organic ethos, no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. Thanks to ongoing support from National Centre for Organic Agriculture and the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office, Chanachen has earned its place as a recognized Model Organic Village within the Dzongkhag.
Sun Smile Project – Chanachen Village Focus
Launched on January 20, 2025, the Sun Smile Project is a Ministry-level initiative with Chanachen at its heart. The project began with a meeting involving the village’s organic farming group, outlining its goal to increase crop productivity by 30% over a three-year period.