Leguminous vegetables market in Bhutan

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh leguminous vegetables in Bhutan expanded from 4 225 t in 2018 to a peak of 4 974 t in 2019, before beginning a multi-year contraction. Through 2020, the regulatory environment for vegetable imports and trade classifications remained stable, supporting ongoing market operations even as the total volume dipped to 4 496 t.

Market volume fell sharply to 2 737 t in 2021 and continued declining to 2 322 t by 2023. During this period, government initiatives to improve post-harvest infrastructure, including the construction of cold storage facilities by the Food Corporation of Bhutan, aimed to enhance market access and reduce losses. Furthermore, the launch of the Bhutan Agrifood Sector Strategy 2034 refocused efforts on boosting vegetable exports and strengthening domestic market channels, influencing production and supply chain dynamics.

Looking ahead, the regulatory framework for leguminous vegetables has remained consistent, while national strategies continue to emphasize long-term development through improved vegetable breeding and seed production programs.

Production leguminous vegetables in Bhutan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of leguminous vegetables, 2018-2021

World map of production of leguminous vegetables, 2018-2021

Bhutan's production of leguminous vegetables declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 2,578 tonnes, marking a sharp year-over-year decrease of 34.2%. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 17.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -6.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 3,918 tonnes, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 16.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports leguminous vegetables from Bhutan

Exports in kind, t

The export market for leguminous vegetables showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2020 at 148 tonnes and dropped to their lowest point in 2021 at just 4 tonnes, representing a 41-fold difference between these years. The 2021 export volume of 4 tonnes represented a dramatic 97.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2020 at 54.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, India was the exclusive destination for Bhutan's leguminous vegetable exports, accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms displayed considerable volatility throughout the period. Export values fluctuated 85-fold between the peak in 2020 and the low in 2021. In 2021, leguminous vegetable exports from Bhutan reached $1,000 US, representing a dramatic 98.8% decrease compared to 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at $83,500 US, while the largest annual increase occurred that same year at 93.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, the export market structure was highly concentrated, with India accounting for 99.9% of Bhutan's total leguminous vegetable exports by value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Bhutan in value, 2018-2021

Imports leguminous vegetables to Bhutan

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes of leguminous vegetables into Bhutan showed notable fluctuations during this period. Imports reached their highest level in 2019 at 1,462 tonnes and their lowest in 2021 at 163 tonnes, representing a 9-fold difference between these years. The 2021 import volume of 163 tonnes marked a 77.6% decrease from 2020. The largest annual increase was recorded in 2019 at 24.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout the 2018-2021 period, India dominated Bhutan's leguminous vegetable imports, accounting for 100.0% of total import flows by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Bhutan's imports of leguminous vegetables declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled $91,000 US, representing a steep 67.1% decrease from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 77.1%, equating to an annualized decline of 38.9%. The maximum import value was recorded in 2019 at $497,300 US, while the largest annual increase occurred that same year at 25.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Bhutan's leguminous vegetable imports were overwhelmingly directed toward India, which accounted for 99.9% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Bhutan in value, 2018-2021