𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐏𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐚 𝐋𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐨’𝐬 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲

…𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒅𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏: 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆

By Kezang Choden

Pemba Lhamo, a resident of Tsangkha Gewong in Dagana Dzongkhag, began her winter strawberry farming journey in January 2023. Through sheer determination and agricultural ingenuity, she has achieved remarkable success in managing her farm. With four flourishing strawberry greenhouses covering an area of 50 decimals, Lhamo’s dedication to her craft is evident.

Under the guidance of seasoned experts at the Bajo Agriculture Research and Development Center (ARDC), she participated in a comprehensive two-week farming training. Lhamo shared, “Through meticulous research and hands-on experience, I developed a tailored approach to strawberry cultivation, optimizing soil composition, irrigation systems, and pest management strategies to maximize yield and quality.”

Building on her experience at the ARDC, Lhamo embarked on transformative two-month training in Europe sponsored by Bhutan Network, further broadening her horizons in the strawberry farming domain. During her time in Europe, she had the opportunity to explore diverse farming landscapes and engage with leading strawberry farming practitioners, gaining invaluable perspective on global strawberry farming practices.

Earning an impressive one lakh fifty thousand annually, Lhamo’s greenhouses not only provide a sustainable source of income but also contribute significantly to the local economy. Undeterred by her current success, Lhamo is already setting her sights on the future, with plans to expand her operations by installing more greenhouses, demonstrating her steadfast commitment to growth and development.

The support and training provided by the Bhutan Network have not only enabled Lhamo to expand her farming expertise but also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among local farmers. With her newfound expertise and the backing of the Bhutan Network, Lhamo is poised to make significant strides in strawberry farming, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in her community.

Tanka Maya, the research officer at Bajo Agriculture Research and Development Center (ARDC), emphasized the importance of interactive training sessions that provide practical experience with modern agricultural technologies. Through live demonstrations, farmers gain valuable insights into implementing innovative practices. Tanka stressed the significance of customized training sessions that address specific challenges and opportunities, enabling farmers to learn about applicable technologies tailored to their contexts.

“We facilitate access to vital agriculture information through various channels, including social media platforms and extension services,” said Tanka. “Farmers stay connected and informed, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge exchange.” These efforts empower agricultural communities, catalyzing a transformation towards sustainable farming practices and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.

Ulrike Cokl, the Executive Manager of Bhutan Network, explained their approach based on the Bhutanese understanding of “thuenlam,” which emphasizes connections, friendship, and cooperation across borders. She highlighted Pemba Lhamo as an example of someone benefiting from the established network in Austria, stressing the importance of market research, collaboration, and perseverance in achieving long-term success in agriculture.

Pemba Lhamo’s journey is a testament to the transformative impact of dedicated effort, collaborative support, and continuous learning in unlocking the full potential of youth and ensuring a prosperous future for agriculture in Bhutan. Her success underscores the vital role of strategic partnerships, comprehensive training programs, and market research in achieving sustainable growth and development in the agricultural sector.