𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

…𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗱𝗿𝘂𝗽𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗵𝗮𝗿

By Kezang Choden

In a promising start to Bhutan’s potato export season, farmers at the Samdrupjongkhar auction yard are experiencing higher prices for their produce this year, buoyed by significant government initiatives aimed at strengthening potato storage capabilities nationwide.

During a recent session of the National Assembly, Lyonpo Younten Phuntsho, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock outlined key steps taken by the government to bolster agricultural infrastructure, particularly in potato storage. The Minister highlighted the establishment of 12 cold storage facilities strategically located in major potato-producing districts like Paro, Lingmithang, Samdrupjongkhar, and Phuentsholing. These facilities, each capable of storing up to 100 metric tonnes, aim to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure a consistent potato supply throughout the year.
“We hope to solve this issue if our people make use of them,” Minister Younten Phuntsho stated, emphasizing the government’s proactive approach to enhancing agricultural sustainability.

The government’s efforts also extend to revolutionizing the potato market through the implementation of online auction systems. This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs for farmers by allowing them to auction their produce remotely, without the need to travel.
Currently, potato prices at the FCB Phuentsholing auction yard range from Nu. 10 to 27 per kilogram, depending on size and quality.

Dorji Gyembo, a farmer from Tachema village in Jamkhar Gewog, Trashiyangtse Dzongkhag, expressed satisfaction as large red potatoes fetched Nu. 27.90 per kilogram and medium-sized ones sold for Nu. 26.69 per kilogram this year. Gyembo, who uses organic manure on his 2 to 3 acres of land, noted a substantial increase in income compared to previous years. “Potato farming is crucial for us; it’s our main income,” he emphasized, hinting at plans to expand his fields for future seasons to further capitalize on the favorable market conditions.

Choki Wangchuk, another farmer from Tachema village, highlighted the economic importance of potatoes, describing them as a lifeline for the community. Wangchuk, who is currently in the harvesting phase, emphasized the meticulous care required to ensure a high-quality yield.

“The entire village relies heavily on this staple crop as their primary source of income,” Wangchuk explained, noting that they are still in the process of harvesting.
However, not all farmers have seen a rise in prices. Drupchu, also from the same village, reported lower-than-expected prices at the auction. “For large potatoes, I received Nu. 23 per kilogram, medium ones fetched Nu. 22 per kilogram, and the small ones brought in only Nu. 16.40 per kilogram,” he shared. He also added, “Expanding my farm is crucial to counter balance the fluctuations in market prices and secure a better livelihood.”

Choney Norbu, preparing his potatoes for auction, expressed concern over slightly decreased prices but acknowledged the necessity of selling promptly. “I have heard that the price of potatoes has decreased slightly. But I have no choice but to sell them now to avoid spoilage due to the harsh season,” Norbu said. Despite the price drop, Norbu remains committed to his farming efforts and is considering expanding his farmland to boost his income, though he is worried about wild animals damaging their crops.

Ugyen, the regional director of the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) in Samdrupjongkhar, highlighted FCBL’s pivotal role in supporting agricultural exports and ensuring fair prices for farmers. He noted significant improvements in prices across all potato categories, attributing this to rigorous grading processes and FCBL’s commitment to quality standards.

Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, FCBL remains optimistic about future prospects. Ugyen outlined upcoming initiatives, including the introduction of online auction services by 2025, aimed at enhancing trade efficiency and expanding market access, particularly to neighboring countries like India and Nepal.

The current potato export season in Bhutan reflects a mixed scenario for farmers, with varying price outcomes depending on location and market conditions. Government initiatives to strengthen storage facilities and introduce online auctions aim to further stabilize the market and support sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
The success stories of farmers like Dorji Gyembo emphasize not only the resilience of Bhutanese agriculture but also the significant economic opportunities that well-managed export markets can offer to rural communities. As Bhutan continues to navigate global challenges, the robust performance of its agricultural sector stands as a beacon of hope and prosperity for farmers across the kingdom.

Reflecting on the hard work involved in farming, Gyembo remarked, “Only money matters, not the post. So, we are also earning a good income like civil servants.” His sentiment captures the dedication and determination of Bhutanese farmers who play a crucial role in the country’s economic landscape, contributing to food security and economic stability.

The increase in potato prices this year has not only bolstered farmers’ incomes but also highlighted the potential of Bhutan’s agricultural sector to thrive in global markets. With supportive initiatives from institutions like FCBL and the resilience of farmers like Dorji Gyembo, Bhutanese agriculture is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity for rural communities across the kingdom.