𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐩 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐞

…𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒚 90% 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒏 𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏

By Kezang Choden

Logchina Gewog, in Chukha Dzongkhag is home to resilient farmers who have long relied on the fertile land to cultivate ginger and maize. These crops not only feed their families but also provide a significant source of income for the community. However, this agricultural season has turned into a nightmare for the residents as they face unprecedented challenges due to the widespread failure of both ginger and maize crops. Farmers, who once saw their fields brimming with hope, are now grappling with loss and uncertainty.

Ginger farming has been a cornerstone of Logchina Gewog’s economy, with nearly 90 percent of households depending on it for their livelihoods. This year, however, the ginger crop appears healthy on the outside but has suffered severe internal damage. Tham Bdr Rai, the Gup of Logchina Gewog, expressed his deep concerns regarding this year’s harvest, stating, “The ginger produce has been getting worse this year, with large-scale internal damage that we have not seen before. Almost 90 percent of our residents rely heavily on the income from ginger, but now the community is unhappy and anxious about the future.”

Farmers like Phul Maya Rai are feeling the brunt of this devastation. “The plants appear very weak, drying up on their own. They have become so fragile that we can easily pluck them from the ground,” she lamented. Phul Maya has been growing ginger for 13 years, typically earning around Nu. 100,000 annually from her harvest. With this year’s outbreak of disease, however, she fears her income will be drastically reduced, potentially leaving her family in financial hardship. “If this disease continues to spread, we will suffer greatly in the future,” she added.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Gewog administration has teamed up with agricultural extension officers to investigate the cause of the crop failure. Their preliminary findings have been submitted to the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office for further analysis. Gup Tham Bdr Rai emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We hope for a timely solution and support from the Dzongkhag to address this issue. The compensation will provide much-needed relief for the farmers who depend on ginger for their income.”

Compounding the problem is the unusual weather this season. Gyembo Dorji, the Agriculture Extension Officer, pointed out that excessive rainfall has contributed to the outbreak of a viral disease affecting ginger crops, particularly in areas with high humidity and standing water. The National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC) in Thimphu has recommended using fungicides to mitigate the damage and is planning a field inspection along with awareness programs for farmers.

As if the ginger crop crisis wasn’t enough, farmers in Logchina Gewog are also grappling with a severe infestation of worms affecting their maize crops. This pest problem has left the maize in poor condition, further exacerbating the food security challenges faced by the community. Maize is not just a staple food; it is also used for livestock feed and local wine production.

Ratna Maya Rai, another resident and farmer, articulated the anxiety shared by many in the community: “The maize is getting worse every day. Worms are attacking the leaves, eating everything. We’re now struggling to feed our domestic animals, especially the hens.” With both ginger and maize crops failing, farmers are left scrambling for alternative food sources for their livestock, incurring significant financial costs.

“The entire livelihood depends on maize and ginger, which have sustained us for years. Now, seeing our crops ruined by these worms, it’s heartbreaking. We don’t know how we will continue if this persists,” she lamented.
The situation has become dire, with farmers appealing for immediate intervention from agricultural authorities.

Gyembo Dorji acknowledged that the fall armyworm infestation has become a persistent challenge, with chemical sprays proving ineffective. The pest affects maize throughout its growth stages, and the problem is exacerbated by climate change. Prolonged periods of sunshine and rainfall create ideal conditions for the pests to thrive, leaving farmers vulnerable.

Local agricultural authorities are being urged to step in and provide technical support and guidance. “Without effective measures, many fear the worm infestation could have devastating consequences for the entire community, threatening food security and the region’s economic future,” said Gyembo Dorji.

The Gewog administration has already submitted a formal request to the Dzongkhag for compensation to help the farmers cope with the financial losses. Gup Tham Bdr Rai emphasized the necessity of timely support, stating, “Compensation is crucial to help the farmers continue their livelihoods. The current situation is dire, and we need all the help we can get.”

The struggles faced by Logchina Gewog are reflective of broader agricultural challenges across Bhutan. As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, farmers in various dzongkhags are experiencing similar issues with crop failures. The challenges of managing pests and diseases are becoming increasingly complex, leading to calls for more robust support systems and agricultural training for farmers.

The need for sustainable farming practices has never been more critical. Farmers like Phul Maya and Ratna Maya are relying on the expertise of local agricultural extension officers, but they require immediate solutions to address the challenges they face. Enhanced collaboration between local farmers, agricultural authorities, and research institutions is essential to develop effective pest management strategies and disease-resistant crop varieties.

While the current situation in Logchina Gewog is grave, the community remains hopeful that with the right support, they can overcome these challenges. Gup Tham Bdr Rai remains optimistic about the future: “We must come together as a community to support each other during these difficult times. Our farmers are resilient, and with the right guidance and assistance, we can bounce back.”

As the Gewog awaits responses from the Dzongkhag authorities, farmers continue to persevere in the face of adversity. The resilience of the people of Logchina Gewog is commendable, but without timely intervention and support, the long-term impacts of these crop failures could be devastating. The future of their livelihoods hangs in the balance, and the community’s hope lies in the collective effort to safeguard their agricultural heritage.

In the meantime, farmers in Logchina Gewog remain vigilant, working diligently to protect their remaining crops while grappling with the uncertainty of what tomorrow will bring. As they navigate this challenging period, their strength and unity may prove to be the key to weathering the storm and rebuilding their agricultural landscape once more.

Logchina Gewog stands at a critical crossroads, facing significant challenges to its agricultural economy. The failures of both ginger and maize crops have not only threatened the livelihoods of its farmers but have also raised concerns about food security in the region. The community’s resilience, coupled with timely support from agricultural authorities, will be vital in navigating these challenges. Farmers are hopeful that with collaboration and dedication, they can emerge from this crisis stronger and more prepared for future uncertainties.

In this time of uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that agriculture is not just about crops; it is about the lives and livelihoods that depend on the land. As the people of Logchina Gewog continue their fight against these setbacks, their story serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of nature, community, and resilience in the face of adversity.