BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐-๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ‘๐ท๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐’ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
Phurpa Wangmo
Paydung village in Kangpara Gewog, located in Trashigang, is gearing up for its winter harvest by the end of November. Six farmers, collaborating under the initiative “Paydung Integrated Farm,” have cultivated crops on a 4.56-acre expanse, marking the village’s first-ever winter crop production.
“The ‘Paydung Integrated Farm’ initiative aims to provide locally grown vegetables during the winter season, eliminating the need for residents to travel to Warmrong for their winter vegetable purchases,” says the Gewog Head.
The Gup of Kangpara highlighted that, the primary aim of forming the group was centered on commercial purposes, particularly during the winter season. This initiative was created to help villagers buy fresh vegetables from the group, especially during the dry winter months. Additionally, the Gup emphasized that they had secured a ten-year lease on private land and facilitated access to the farm road, providing essential support and funding to kickstart their winter farming endeavors.
Wang Gyeltshen, a 49-year-old resident of Paydung, expressed the village’s long-standing desire to initiate winter cultivation. “We have always wanted to grow winter crops, but the lack of proper road access and limited resources held us back,” he said. Last year, the villagers approached the gewog office for support, and they were subsequently provided with two greenhouses to initiate their winter farming endeavors.
The crops currently under cultivation include chili, tomatoes, and bulb onions, with the hope of expanding their produce range in the future. Wang Gyeltshen also mentioned that their catchment areas for selling the produce include Warmrong, Phegpari, Khaling, local schools, and discussions are underway with vegetable vendors in Warmrong to facilitate the sale of their fresh vegetables.
“I am really happy to be a part of the group,” says Tashi Yangzom, a mother of four. “The six of us are extremely excited to harvest our first-ever winter crop, particularly the chilies. Previously, we had to travel a long way just to buy vegetables.”
A villager enthusiastically shared, “In winter, I used to travel all the way to Wamrong just to buy vegetables. Thanks to these winter crops, I am thrilled about how they will simplify our lives. I am delighted that we can now effortlessly access fresh vegetables whenever we desire. Gone are the days when we had to rely on dried chilies and other preserved vegetables. This change brings great joy to our village.”
The Agriculture Extension Officer expressed that vegetable production will continue, and further activities are planned as the farm is still in its initial stages. The GAE, along with other relevant agencies, will continue to provide support and guidance to ensure the success of this venture in Paydu ng village.
Furthermore, the Gup stressed the significant role of the group in the local community, highlighting its substantial impact on the livelihoods of villagers. He reiterated the group’s commitment to fostering agricultural activities during the challenging winter season in order to create a sustainable and prosperous environment. With dedicated support and funding, the group aims to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of fresh produce, thus improving the overall quality of life for the residents of Kangpara and the surrounding areas.
