Rooted in the earth of the Last Shangri-La

The name Othbar comes from an ancient Dzongkha word for the high-altitude terraced fields where our founders' grandparents first cultivated red rice. When the youngest generation began returning to these valleys after studying modern agriculture, they brought with them a question: How do we honour what our ancestors knew while building something that can sustain our community's future?

The answer was a cooperative. Forty-seven families pooling their land, knowledge, and labour — certified organic from day one, committed to zero synthetic inputs, and guided by Bhutan's own framework of Gross National Happiness.

Today we cultivate 120 acres across Punakha and Paro, growing 28 varieties of heritage crops. We sell directly to homes across Bhutan and to a small number of international partners who share our values.

Earth before profit

Every farming decision is evaluated first by its impact on the soil, water, and biodiversity of the Punakha and Paro valleys. Profitability follows ecological health, never leads it.

Ancient knowledge, modern rigour

We combine the intergenerational farming wisdom of our cooperative members with contemporary organic certification standards and sustainable agriculture research.

Community ownership

Othbar is collectively owned by all 47 member families. Decisions are made by consensus. Profits are distributed equally. No investor holds a stake in our land.