𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞-𝐎𝐟-𝐓𝐡𝐞-𝐀𝐫𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞 𝐚 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞-𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬

…𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆-𝒂𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒆𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In a notable advancement for the agriculture sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock inaugurated a state-of-the-art potato center in Jangchey, Gangtey Gewog under Wangdue Phodrang. The centre is established in collaboration with the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL), this new facility promises to offer substantial convenience and benefits to farmers across the region.

For the first time, farmers in the Dzongkhag will have access to a comprehensive suite of services, including potato grading, washing, drying, sorting, and packaging, all under one-roof. This is anticipated to enhance the quality and marketability of their produce, thereby increasing their income and reducing post-harvest losses. Alongside the physical infrastructure, the facility also introduces an online trading (auction) service. This digital platform is set to streamline the sales process, enabling farmers to reach a wider market and secure better prices for their potatoes.

The Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) stated, “The facility, funded with an investment of Nu. 75.67 million, is the result of a collaborative effort by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB).” This development is expected to enhance the value chain of potato production, benefiting farmers and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Farmers in Wangdue Phodrang can now rejoice as they no longer have to endure long journeys to the Phuentsholing Auction Yard. The newly established auction center in their locality promises to save time and reduce the costs associated with travel and transport. This local facility is set to revolutionize the way potatoes are handled and traded in the region.

“The advanced facility will provide a seamless management system for bidding, price discovery, notifications, and payments, ensuring a swift and transparent process for all participants. The introduction of this e-auction center marks a significant step forward in modernizing the transaction process, providing users with a more efficient and user-friendly platform,” stated the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL).

The system is expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, from buyers and sellers to intermediaries, by reducing the time and effort required for transactions and improving overall market efficiency. The FCBL also emphasized that a similar facility is under construction in Chumey, Bumthang Dzongkhag. This new center is anticipated to offer e-auction services starting next year, further expanding the reach and accessibility of this innovative approach to transactions.

Kinley Gyeltshen, the Gup of Gangtey Gewog, has announced a new, more efficient system for exporting potatoes, significantly benefiting local farmers. “Previously, farmers faced lengthy delays, often waiting 7 to 8 days in Phuentsholing due to the high number of dealers at the auction. This process not only consumed time but also increased their expenses, reducing their overall profits,” Gyeltshen said. Recognizing the high volume of potatoes exported from Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, the new system will streamline sorting and packaging, saving farmers additional effort.

Gyeltshen also expressed concerns about the potential damage to farm roads caused by the increased traffic of heavy vehicles in the future. He emphasized the need for blacktopping and maintaining these roads to ensure long-term convenience and durability.

Tshering Gyeltshen, a resident and dedicated farmer of Gangtey Gewog, has seen a remarkable transformation in his potato farming operations. “Previously, I struggled with high expenditure, which significantly impacted my profits from the four acres of land I cultivated,” he said. The need for manual labor in sorting, packaging, and transporting potatoes to Phuentsholing for auction added to his challenges. However, the introduction of advanced machinery has revolutionized his farming process. The automation of sorting and packaging, combined with streamlined logistics, has drastically reduced his costs and labor requirements.

Gyeltshen is optimistic about the future. He plans to expand his fields and increase potato production, confident that the new technology will continue to support his farming endeavors.

Thinley, a seasoned potato farmer from Gangtey Gewog, has been cultivating potatoes for the past 25 years on his 5-acre farm. This year, he expressed immense excitement about the new potato washing and storage facility that promises to ease the burden for local farmers. During the auction period, farmers like Thinley faced significant challenges, as they were required to wash their potatoes but were often unable to do so due to the high volume. The lack of adequate facilities forced him to spend nearly two weeks in Phuentsholing, struggling with the expenses of food and lodging, which added to the strain of the already demanding harvest season.

With the new facility center, these difficulties are set to be alleviated. “This center is going to make everything easy for us,” Thinley said, reflecting the collective relief and optimism of the farming community. The new infrastructure is expected to streamline the cleaning and storage process, significantly reducing the time and effort required from farmers.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by key ministry officials, Dasho Dzongda, UNDP representatives, local leaders, and residents of the Dzongkhag on July 23.