Bhutan recorded a total paddy production of 41,537 metric tonnes (MT) in 2024, according to the Annual Agriculture Census Report 2024–2025 released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MoAL). This total includes 41,352 MT of irrigated paddy and 185 MT of upland paddy, reinforcing paddy’s status as the most widely cultivated cereal crop in the country.

Compared to 2023, irrigated paddy production increased by 789 MT, representing a 1.94% rise. In contrast, upland paddy production declined by 56 MT, marking a sharp 23% decrease from the previous year.

The increase in irrigated paddy production is attributed to improved irrigation infrastructure, favorable weather conditions, and consistent cultivation in major rice-producing Dzongkhags such as Punakha, Paro, Samtse, and Wangduephodrang. These areas benefit from better access to water resources and flat valley lands suitable for paddy farming.

Upland paddy, which is typically grown in rainfed and highland areas, saw a decline likely due to erratic rainfall, land-use changes, and a growing shift toward more climate-resilient crops such as maize and buckwheat in those regions.

The MoAL calculated paddy production using a standardized formula: (Sown Area minus Crop Loss Area) multiplied by the Gewog-level Crop Cut Yield, ensuring consistent and region-specific yield estimates for irrigated and upland varieties.

The data suggests a stable outlook for Bhutan’s rice sector, with increasing productivity in irrigated areas supporting the country’s food self-sufficiency goals. However, the decline in upland paddy highlights the need for targeted interventions in highland farming communities vulnerable to climate change and declining yields.