This hazelnut-growing group provides improved economic opportunities to farmers in remote regions of Bhutan, while helping to restore degraded landscapes.
The Mountain Hazelnuts Group (MHG) is a triple bottom line company working to improve the livelihoods of Bhutanese farmers as well as the condition of the surrounding environment. By planting millions of hazelnut trees in overgrazed and deforested foothills in the Himalayas, the enterprise has increased forest cover by 22,000 acres and is helping local farmers and communities to produce large quantities of the high-value crop for export.
MHG distributes hazelnut tree seedlings to thousands of farmers, who plant the seedlings on their land after receiving business training from the company. MHG also establishes demonstration farms where farmers can learn about the most efficient planting and harvesting techniques. Individual farmers sell the harvested hazelnuts back to MHG, which guarantees a minimum price based on their 30-year Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Why you should care
More than half of Bhutan’s labor force is engaged in agricultural work, where they grow mostly rice, corn and root crops. Many people, however, are increasingly drawn to cities in search of improved economic opportunities. In this context, MHG stimulates rural economies in a way that also protects the environment.
How the Global Goals are addressed
No Poverty
With their additional earnings from hazelnut sales, farmers and their families can improve their quality of life. MHG claims it will double the income of 15% of Bhutan’s population.
Decent Work and Economic Growth
MHG currently employs over 800 people directly, and 1,200 people indirectly. The company provides training and support, and has also developed technical support capabilities using smartphone solutions.
Climate Action
Over its lifetime, this solution expects to achieve 1.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent sequestration. Leading by example, MHG positively contributes to climate action.
Life on Land
By planting millions of hazelnut trees in the Himalayan foothills, this solution reverses deforestation and stabilises the vulnerable topsoil, helping to prevent further soil erosion.
Mountain Hazelnuts Group
A triple bottom-line company working to establish a world-class hazelnut production in Bhutan that creates shared value for all stakeholders. The Company is committed to supplying high-quality hazelnuts to international customers, while joining a global conversation about how business can serve as a tool for achieving social and environmental objectives.
Global Goals addressed