𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐫,𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠

…𝑭𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒑 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒂𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝑺𝒐𝒂𝒓

By Lhendup Wangmo

Cardamom cultivation in Samkhar Gewog under Trashigang Dzongkhag has become a major income generator for the local community. Villagers, who once relied on traditional farming practices, are now benefiting from the lucrative cardamom market. This spice, known for its high value, has become a vital source of livelihood, with many households depending on it as their primary source of income.

The success of cardamom farming in the region has not only boosted the economy but also encouraged younger generations to stay in the village, ensuring sustainable farming practices for years to come. As demand for cardamom continues to grow, farmers in Samkhar Gewog are optimistic about the future and the continued success of this high-value crop.

According to Ngawang Gyeltshen, the Mangmi of Samkhar Gewog, the crop has gained considerable popularity in recent years. While cardamom cultivation was introduced in the area some years ago, it was not initially embraced due to low market prices and a lack of awareness about its potential. “Before, cardamom was not as popular because the market price was not good, and we didn’t understand its value,” said Ngawang Gyeltshen. “But since 2020, the price has risen significantly, making it a trusted and viable crop for local farmers.”

The price of cardamom has increased from 1,000 Nu per kilogram last year to 1,500 Nu this year in the local market, fueling greater interest in the crop. As a result, villagers have shown strong support for cardamom farming.
Over 1,800 saplings have been distributed across households in the community, with contributions coming from every chiwog. However, the demand for more saplings continues to outpace the supply, with budget constraints limiting further distribution.

“Everyone in the village is cultivating cardamom. It’s easy for all, and no special skills are required,” Ngawang Gyeltshen added. “People are clearing forests to plant cardamom, which is proving to be a sustainable and convenient source of income.” The growing success of cardamom farming is transforming the local economy in Samkhar Gewog. Villagers are optimistic that as market prices continue to rise, the future of cardamom cultivation will bring even more prosperity to the region.

However, cardamom farming has not been without challenges. Karma Jamtsho, a 52-year-old farmer from the area, shared his journey with cardamom cultivation, which began over a decade ago. “I started cultivating cardamom around 10 years ago with my first seed. It wasn’t popular back then, and I struggled to make any significant income,” Karma said.

“The market price was only about 500 Nu per kilogram, and I had to rely on cashcrops like corn and potatoes. However, wild animals would often damage those crops, and I couldn’t sell them,” added Karma Gyeltshen.
In recent years, cardamom has become more profitable, with Karma now earning over Nu 1.3 million from his harvest, a drastic increase from his earlier earnings. “Now the market price is much better, and I expect even higher returns this year,” he added.

Karma Gyeltshen owns 11 acres of land, of which he has dedicated three acres to cardamom cultivation. He also travels to local markets, including the Gelephu market, to sell his produce. “The demand is high, and the business has been very rewarding,” he said.

Sonam Dorji, a villager who started cultivating cardamom just two years ago, is one of the many who has seen a positive shift thanks to the high-value crop. “The gewog provided us with the seeds, and we started cultivating cardamom in March,” Sonam Dorji explained. “At first, the market price was only 600 to 800 Nu per kilogram, but now the price has risen to 1,500 Nu per kilogram for 80 kilograms of produce.”

Sonam, who cultivates cardamom on 2.5 acres of land, added that the market is still a challenge, and he travels to Gelephu to sell his produce. “It was difficult at the beginning, but now cardamom has made life much better. I will continue to focus on cardamom farming,” he said.

One such farmer, Yonten, a 45-year-old cultivator, has seen the benefits of cardamom farming firsthand and is optimistic about the future of the crop. “I started cultivating cardamom on my own initiative. There was no coordination or support initially; it was more of a test to see how it would grow,” Yonten explained. “At first, I planted only about 300 to 400 saplings. After one year, I harvested about eight to nine kgs of cardamom.”

Although it was a modest start, Yonten quickly realized the potential of the crop. “Now, I believe cultivating cardamom is much better than traditional cash crops like potatoes or corn. The market price is good, and the process is more reliable,” he said. As a result, Yonten has expanded his plantation and now cultivates around 1,000 saplings on his land. Yonten explained the cultivation process, saying, “We plant the saplings during the summer, and in winter, we harvest the cardamom. It’s a straightforward process, and unlike other crops, there’s no need for special skills or equipment.”

For Yonten, cardamom farming has proven to be not only financially rewarding but also less vulnerable to damage from wild animals, unlike the cash crops he used to grow. With the rise in demand and market prices, he sees great potential for the future. “As more people are getting into cardamom cultivation, I am confident that it will continue to grow as a major source of income for us here in Samkhar Gewog,” Yonten added.