𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬

…𝑳𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑳𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑽𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒓𝒔

By Kezang Choden

Every Saturday, around 60 to 70 vegetable sellers gather at the local market in Norbugang Gewog in Samtse Dzongkhag. . But with only two small sheds, many are left without proper shelter. Thus, vendors construct temporary stalls, leaving them and their produce vulnerable to the natural elements,particularly during the summer monsoon season.Therefore, facing urgent calls for expanded vegetable market facilities to meet the needs of a rapidly growing vendor and customer base.

The Gewog Administration has recognized the need for an upgraded market and raised this issue in Bhutan’s 13th Five-Year Plan, hoping to secure government funding and support. However, alongside the need for more shelter, there is a pressing demand for essential facilities like public restrooms. Currently, the absence of a public toilet in the market area presents significant sanitation concerns for both vendors and buyers, impacting the overall experience in the marketplace.

Norbugang Gewog has experienced an increase in population, with the development of the silicon industry in the region, boosting demand for locally sourced vegetables. Vendors estimate that approximately 70 percent of the vegetables sold in the market are grown locally in Bhutan, with the remaining 30 percent imported to provide a broader selection for the community.

In response to the increased demand, vendors endure challenging conditions to bring fresh produce to the market each week. However, the lack of adequate facilities, such as spacious, sheltered areas, poses a significant hindrance to their ability to provide quality produce. Extreme heat and rain accelerate the spoilage of perishable items, resulting in financial losses for vendors who rely on these sales for their livelihoods.

Tendu, the Agricultural Extension Officer of Norbugang Gewog, acknowledged the challenges in constructing essential market facilities due to limited budget allocations. As a first step, the Gewog plans to construct a public toilet for the market, which Tendu emphasized as a necessity that cannot be delayed.

“The public toilet is a priority because it directly impacts the convenience and hygiene of the market community,” Tendu stated. While recognizing the importance of a restroom facility, he explained that the expansion of the existing market shed would require additional funding, which is currently limited. The expansion would especially benefit vendors during the monsoon season, when rain restricts their ability to sell produce outside the covered areas.

“With only two sheds, vendors crowd into the small available space, affecting their sales and the display of their produce,” Tendu added. He highlighted that an enhanced market infrastructure would not only protect vendors and their products from harsh weather but also help improve their income potential by providing a reliable, year-round space for sales.

Jit Bdr Galey, the Mangmi of Norbugang Gewog, voiced concerns regarding the inadequate facilities that vendors currently rely on. Galey pointed out that vendors experience losses as vegetables spoil more quickly under the open-air conditions, with exposure to heat and rain accelerating the decay of their produce. He stressed that a well-designed shed is essential to protect the goods and enhance the quality of the vendors’ selling environment.

“The shed is crucial for protecting vendors’ produce and providing them a comfortable selling area,” Jit Bdr Galey emphasized. Additionally, he noted that a public toilet is urgently needed to ensure basic sanitation, benefiting both buyers and sellers. The Gewog has prioritized the construction of the restroom facility and plans to follow up with the expansion of the vegetable shed as soon as funds permit.

Jit Bdr Galey further explained that these improvements would make the marketplace more accessible and pleasant for both the local community and visitors. “Creating a more comfortable and hygienic market will encourage more vendors to participate and will better serve the community’s needs,” he said, adding that the Gewog hopes additional support will help make these plans a reality.

Phub Gyem, a vegetable seller in Norbugang Gewog, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to sell in the local market, despite the existing limitations. For vendors like Phub, market days are a chance to showcase and sell their produce. However, the lack of official facilities, such as clean and accessible toilets, adds difficulty to their efforts.

“We take initiative to keep the market clean and organized, even though we lack proper facilities,” Phub shared. She stressed that a clean, hygienic environment is essential, especially with so many people gathering in one place every week. Without a public toilet, however, sanitation is a constant concern. Despite these challenges, Phub noted the high demand for local produce, with many items selling out within a few hours of being brought to the market.

For many vendors, limited space in the designated market sheds means setting up temporary stalls outside. This situation has posed significant challenges, particularly during the rainy season, when vendors struggle to protect their produce from water damage. Makeshift structures, though helpful in providing some shelter, are often inadequate against heavy rains and winds.

The lack of adequate facilities in the Norbugang Gewog market not only impacts the vendors but also affects the local economy. With more permanent, well-maintained sheds, vendors would be better positioned to supply fresh produce consistently, supporting a stable income for the farmers and contributing to the local economy.

As the Gewog Administration continues to advocate for market improvements, there is optimism that funding and support may be allocated to build a more resilient marketplace. These upgrades could create a safer and more functional environment, allowing vendors to operate year-round without concerns over exposure to the elements.

The marketplace in Norbugang Gewog serves as an important gathering space and a critical source of income for local farmers. By investing in infrastructure improvements, the community hopes to provide a more accommodating and hygienic setting that supports the livelihood of its vendors and meets the demands of a growing population.