𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒑𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉

By Lhendup Wangmo

Rangthangling, located in the heart of Tsirang, is quickly becoming a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural economy. Known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, the area has long been a hub for agriculture, with sugarcane emerging as one of the most significant crops. Over the years, local farmers have embraced a balance of traditional practices and modern processing techniques, boosting yields and efficiency, while expanding their market reach.

For the farmers of Rathaling, sugarcane cultivation is not merely a means of income; it represents a deep connection to their heritage. Traditional processing methods, passed down through generations, continue to coexist with newer, more efficient techniques. This unique fusion of old and new allows farmers to preserve cultural traditions while meeting the demands of the modern agricultural market. As a result, sugarcane farming has evolved into a sustainable and thriving industry in the region.

Local leaders remain optimistic about the future of sugarcane farming. Plans are in place to improve infrastructure, expand processing capacity, and tap into both local and regional markets for sugarcane products. With continued investment in innovation and growth, the sugarcane sector is poised to benefit not only the community but also Tsirang’s broader economy, ensuring the longevity of this proud agricultural tradition.

Leela Raj Sumwar, the Gup (head) of Rangthaling Gewog in Tsirang, expressed his confidence in sugarcane farming’s potential for the area. “Sugarcane is highly suited for our gewog,” Sumwar said. “In the past, we relied on manual labor for processing, but we’re now adopting modern techniques to boost efficiency.”

However, he acknowledged the challenges farmers face, including water scarcity and human-wildlife conflict. “Farmers struggle with limited water resources and occasional conflict with wildlife,” Sumwar explained. “Despite these obstacles, there is tremendous opportunity in sugarcane farming, especially since the area’s previous orange crops were devastated by pests and diseases.”

The transition from oranges to sugarcane has provided farmers with a viable alternative. “While ginger farming hasn’t been profitable, sugarcane has proven lucrative,” Sumwar added. “It can be processed into Jagger (Gur), which brings in good returns.”

Despite the optimism, Sumwar voiced concerns over market instability. “Our biggest challenge is finding a stable market,” he said. “We can’t control buyers, though our gewog is doing its best to support the farmers. But the land here is perfect for sugarcane, and our farmers are passionate and hardworking.”

Sumwar also highlighted the lower labor demands of sugarcane farming compared to other crops. “Sugarcane cultivation requires less effort now,” he noted. “Farmers are using modern techniques, which is helping to increase productivity.”

The local gewog has been supportive of this shift, offering seeds and fertilizers. “Through the Building Resilient Commercial Smallholder Agriculture (BRCSA) project, we plan to provide further support to farmers,” Sumwar added. However, he pointed out that the seedlings have thus far not been supplied by the gewog or government, and that farmers have shouldered much of the work independently.

San Man Tamang, the Mangmi (deputy head) of Rangthaling, shared his thoughts on the region’s sugarcane potential. “The idea of setting up a processing unit is promising, but our biggest hurdle is the market,” Tamang said. “Our sugarcane products don’t easily sell outside the region, though they are popular in the southern areas of Bhutan.”
Tamang emphasized the strides farmers have made despite these challenges. “Farmers have reinvested their profits into machinery, which has significantly improved efficiency,” he explained. “Some farmers have even expanded their plantations to 20 to 30 decimals, showcasing their commitment to this crop.”

Looking ahead, Tamang remains hopeful about the future of sugarcane farming in Rangthaling. “I am confident that with continued hard work and community support, the sector will thrive.”

Dil Bdr. Dahal, a 43-year-old farmer, reflected on the evolution of sugarcane farming in the region. “The work has become much easier over time,” Dahal said. “In the past, we relied heavily on manual labor, but with modern tools and techniques, our work is now far more efficient.”

Nar Bdr. Dahal, a 60-year-old veteran in sugarcane farming, echoed these sentiments. “Sugarcane farming has evolved significantly,” he remarked. “With the introduction of new methods and tools, the process has become much more manageable. Our success is a result of hard work and collaboration.”

Local buyers of sugarcane products in Tsirang have also recognized the high quality and natural production methods of sugarcane, particularly the region’s jaggery (Gur). Prakash Kumar, a local vendor, praised the farmers’ dedication to quality. “The sugarcane here is natural, and the farmers put a lot of effort into ensuring the quality,” Kumar said. “The jaggery produced in Rathaling is chemical-free, which makes it a healthier option for consumers.”

Suresh Bahadur, another long-time buyer, shared similar appreciation for the sugarcane products. “The farmers are very dedicated, and it shows in the final product,” he said. “The jaggery is 100% natural, which is increasingly rare today. It’s no surprise that it’s in high demand.”

The sugarcane industry in Tsirang exemplifies how agriculture can be revitalized through innovation and hard work. Despite ongoing challenges such as market instability, water scarcity, and human-wildlife conflict, the potential for sugarcane farming to drive economic growth is undeniable.

With modern farming methods being adopted, a focus on infrastructure improvements, and the continued dedication of local farmers, Tsirang’s sugarcane sector is well-positioned for a bright future. By strengthening market access and supporting the community’s efforts, Tsirang can harness the full potential of its sugarcane industry to enhance livelihoods and contribute to Bhutan’s broader economic development.

The recognition of the region’s chemical-free jaggery, coupled with improvements in production and market access, suggests that Tsirang’s sugarcane farming will continue to thrive in the years to come.