GI Application No.: BT/GI/04
Date of Filing: 12 January 2026
Geographical Indication: Dhur-Tandingang Gontho
Type of Goods: Agricultural Products and Foodstuffs
Applicant:
Dhur-Tandingang Gontho Cooperative
Tandingang, Tang Gewog, Bumthang Dzongkhag, Bhutan
Geographical Area:
Villages: Tandingang Chiwog under Tang Gewog and Dhur-Lusibee Chiwog under Choekhor
Gewog: Choekhor and Tang
Dzongkhag: Bumthang
Description of the Goods:
Dhur-Tandingang Gontho is a buckwheat flour food product made exclusively from the local bitter buckwheat variety (Fagopyrum tataricum), locally known as “Gontho”. In the local dialect, ‘Gon’ means autumn and ‘tho’ means crop associated specifically with buckwheat. This buckwheat variety is indigenous and cultivated only in the Tandingang chiwog (sub-block) under Tang gewog (block) and in the Dhur-Lusibee chiwog under Choekhor gewog, in Bumthang Dzongkhag (District) of the Kingdom of Bhutan, where the buckwheat grain is also later processed into flour resulting to the use of the name “Dhur-Tandingang Gontho” to identify this local buckwheat flour milled from unhulled bitter buckwheat grains and naturally produced without the application of any chemical fertilizers or plant protection chemicals needed in the production cycle
Proof of Origin:
Dhur-Tandingang Gontho is distinguished by its light gray to white flour, smaller round grains, and mildly sweet flavor within the typical profile of bitter buckwheat. These characteristics result from the local indigenous material, specific ecological conditions, and traditional know-how, setting it apart from similar products in neighboring dzongkhags. To guarantee origin and compliance with product specifications, a traceability and control system is implemented throughout the value chain. Compliance is ensured through internal controls by the Dhur-Tandingang Gontho cooperative and external verification by a competent third-party certification body. All operators must maintain transaction records and submit annual production and stock declarations, and are subject to official control.
Inspection Body:
Bhutan Food and Drug Authority
