𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐊𝐢𝐰𝐢𝐟𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐤 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐢 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐰𝐨𝐠

…𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕-𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒍𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒖𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒌𝒊𝒘𝒊𝒇𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

By Kezang Choden

In Kadak Silambi Chiwog, Mongar Dzongkhag, farmers are embracing the T-bar trellising system to boost kiwifruit production, with support from the Agriculture Research and Development Corporation (ARDC) Wengkhar and the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihood Enhancement Programme (CARLEP). Introduced in the last financial year, the system was adopted by 19 farmers under a cost-sharing arrangement. Unlike many other fruit trees, kiwifruit requires a structured trellis system to thrive, making this initiative a key step toward increasing yield and sustainability.

Building on last year’s success, ARDC Wengkhar organized a three-day skill development program this year for 22 farmers. The training focused on critical aspects of orchard management, including vine training and pruning techniques, basin-making for water retention, and trenching for manure application. To ensure timely pruning, each participant received secateurs and pruning saws under a cost-sharing scheme. These efforts aim to reinforce the structural framework of kiwifruit trees, ensuring sustainable production in Silambi and beyond.

According to Pema Yangdon, Senior Horticulture Officer at ARDC Wengkhar, kiwifruit cultivation demands specialized techniques distinct from those used for other fruit trees. “The objective of this training was to provide farmers with a strong foundation in kiwifruit cultivation and orchard management. By equipping them with the right knowledge, we aim to boost local production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported kiwifruit,” she said. After training 19 farmers last year, the program expanded this year to include 22 farmers eager to refine their skills further.

The program didn’t just focus on theory; it included hands-on demonstrations on orchard maintenance, pest control, and proper cultivation techniques. Farmers were actively engaged, learning practical methods to improve yields and fruit quality. With growing interest from local farmers, this initiative is expected to play a significant role in strengthening the country’s horticulture sector. By fostering domestic kiwifruit cultivation, authorities hope to create economic opportunities for farmers while ensuring a steady supply of fresh, locally grown produce.

Sonam Jamtsho, the Tshogpa of Kadak Silambi Chiwog, acknowledged the region’s underdeveloped state, where many residents rely entirely on farming for their livelihood. Despite challenges, he is optimistic about the potential of kiwifruit cultivation, particularly given the region’s high altitude, which has been identified as ideal for growing kiwifruit. “The community has gained valuable knowledge through training on kiwifruit production and processing,” he said. He believes this initiative could provide a sustainable source of income for the chiwog, reducing dependency on traditional farming and enhancing financial independence.

The cost-sharing scheme has been instrumental in supporting farmers, especially those struggling with financial constraints. The primary goal of farmers in Kadak Silambi is to supply organic kiwifruit locally, promoting fresh, healthy produce. “These initiatives empower farmers to explore new opportunities and improve their livelihoods,” Sonam Jamtsho added.

Pema Dema, a resident of Kadak Silambi, shared her hopes for a successful harvest after receiving training and financial support. “Last year, I planted 40 kiwifruit saplings, hoping to establish a sustainable source of income for my family,” she said. “With the technical guidance and assistance I received, I am optimistic about a successful harvest.” Pema remains committed to nurturing her orchard, seeing kiwifruit farming as a way to enhance her livelihood and contribute to the local economy.

The introduction of cost-sharing schemes and training sessions has sparked interest in commercial fruit cultivation. Kiwifruit, with its high market value, has become a lucrative option for smallholder farmers seeking economic stability. Ugyen Wangdi, another local resident, emphasized the importance of the training they received in plantation techniques, disease management, and soil maintenance. He highlighted that by cultivating kiwifruit locally, farmers aim to reduce dependence on imports from other dzongkhags and strengthen local self-sufficiency.

“The cost-sharing scheme has eased financial burdens, enabling us to purchase the equipment and inputs we need for efficient cultivation,” Ugyen said. He also noted the health benefits of organically grown kiwifruit, free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, ensuring fresh, nutritious produce for consumers. Farmers in Kadak Silambi hope that expanding kiwifruit cultivation will not only improve their livelihoods but also contribute to a healthier food supply.

Kadak Silambi Chiwog is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with young farmers like Pema Dorji leading the way. A college graduate, Pema chose farming over conventional career paths, believing that agriculture offers sustainable livelihoods. “It is crucial to work hard while the government supports us by assessing the conditions in our chiwog,” he said. Pema has already planted 300 kiwifruit saplings, inspiring other young residents to plant 50 to 60 saplings each. “These opportunities are a blessing from His Majesty, and I am committed to working even harder to curb the import of organic fruits,” he added.

However, challenges remain, particularly the lack of a market for their produce. “Currently, nearly 90 percent of our agricultural yield is used as animal feed due to the absence of a feasible marketing avenue,” Pema acknowledged. Despite this, farmers remain hopeful that continued efforts will help them reach broader markets like Gelephu Mindfulness City and Thimphu, contributing to the nation’s goal of enhancing agricultural productivity and market access.