Brief History
The Rural Development Training Centre (RDTC), Zhemgang, was established by the Royal Government of Bhutan through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests to institutionalize skills-based training for farmers, rural communities and school leavers. The initiative was supported by the Royal Government of Bhutan together with Swiss Helvetas and Swiss development cooperation. RDTC began operations with an interim office at Lobesa in May 2004, with five instructors and technical support from expatriate advisors.
In 2005, the Centre conducted its first Community Leaders Training (CLT) and Farm Business Training (FBT), laying the foundation for its role as a practical training institution focused on improving rural livelihoods, agricultural enterprise and employment opportunities. By 2008, its programmes had expanded to include skills-based Farm Business Training, Community Leaders Training for farmer groups and cooperatives, and the School Agriculture Programme for school students.
The permanent RDTC campus in Zhemgang was developed during 2004–2007 with the support of Helvetas and was inaugurated on 8 May 2008. The campus was designed to provide a conducive environment for both theoretical learning and hands-on practical training, incorporating Bhutanese architectural elements using traditional timber and stonework.
Over the years, RDTC has evolved from a primarily agriculture-focused farmer training centre into a broader technical and vocational training institution. Its programmes have included agricultural production, livestock, nursery and fruit production, community leadership, entrepreneurship, food processing, bakery and confectionery, culinary arts, floriculture and other employment-oriented skills. The Centre has also undertaken initiatives in areas such as climate-smart agriculture and Training of Trainers, responding to emerging rural development and workforce needs.
Since 2021, RDTC has been part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system under the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development, Ministry of Education and Skills Development. Today, the Centre continues to provide short-term and competency-based training aimed at strengthening employability, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods. In line with Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, RDTC has set out a strategic direction for upgrading its programmes from Institute Certificate level towards National Certificate Levels II and III and Diploma programmes during 2025–2028.