𝐓𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝟐𝟓-𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭

…𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒉 𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑻𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑮𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒈

By Kezang Choden

In a testament to determination and entrepreneurial spirit, residents of Tendu Gewog in Samtse Dzongkhag embark on a weekly journey spanning 25 kilometers to sell their organic produce. Every Sunday, these dedicated farmers travel to the Belotay Sunday Vegetable Market in Tashichoeling Gewog, offering a diverse array of fresh organic vegetables. Despite the challenges posed by terrain and distance, their commitment to delivering high-quality produce remains steadfast.

Nima Drukpa, the Gup of Tendu Gewog, recently commended the residents for their unwavering dedication and hard work in agriculture. He emphasized their efforts in boosting the local economy through vegetable farming and market distribution, highlighting their diligence in harvesting and preparing produce throughout the week for market days. Established nearly two years ago with a budget of Nu. 2 million, the local Saturday vegetable market has become a vital platform for vendors to showcase and sell their fresh produce.”

The Tendu Gewog Agricultural Extension has reported a diverse range of vegetables being marketed throughout the year, contributing significantly to local food security and income generation for farmers. The success of Tendu Gewog’s agricultural sector is bolstered by substantial support in terms of agricultural inputs. Farmers receive seeds, fabricated poly houses, pipes, mini tillers, green net and rabbit net for fencing, and mulching plastics, all provided on a cost-sharing basis of 20% from farmers. This support helps enhance productivity and ensures sustainable farming practices. The well-organized efforts of the Tendu Gewog Agricultural Extension and the active participation of local farmers are setting a benchmark in agricultural productivity.

During the summer season, the farmers of Tendu Gewog focus on producing a variety of vegetables including pumpkin, spinach, coriander, bitter gourd, cucumber, chayote shoot, and pumpkin shoot. These fresh produce items are a staple in local markets and are well-received by consumers for their nutritional benefits. In contrast, the winter months see an even broader array of vegetables being cultivated and sold, such as broccoli, cauliflower, peas, carrots, garlic, lettuce, and garlic shoots.

Suk Rani Subba, a resident of Kuchhenthang Chiwog in Tendu Gewog, has carved out a thriving business selling fresh vegetables. Every Sunday, she and her family hire heavy vehicles to transport their carefully cultivated produce to the market, where they earn between Nu. 10,000 and 15,000. For her, selling vegetables is not just a business; it’s a lifeline.

The income generated from the market is her family’s main source of sustenance, allowing them to meet their daily needs and improve their living standard. “Transporting our vegetables to the Sunday market has been challenging but incredibly rewarding,” she said. “This market is our main platform for income, and it’s inspiring to see our hard work pay off each week,” Subba added. The local market not only benefits sellers like her but also provides fresh, locally-grown produce to the community. Hiring heavy vehicles for transportation is a necessary but costly part of the process. Despite this, the effort is worthwhile, as the income from the market plays a crucial role in her family’s financial stability.

Asman Rai, a dedicated farmer and resident of Tendu Gewog, has found his primary source of income through the cultivation and sale of vegetables. His commitment to this labor-intensive work has not only provided financial stability but has also opened doors to numerous opportunities for his family. “The work of growing and selling vegetables is hard, but it brings a good income for my family,” said Asman, reflecting on his daily toil. The income generated from vegetable farming has allowed Asman to invest in better living conditions, significantly improving his family’s quality of life. This financial boost has also enabled him to focus on the education of his children, ensuring they have access to better learning opportunities and a brighter future.