𝐇𝐚𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

…𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚-𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝑰𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆

By Kezang Choden

Gakiling and Sangbay Gewogs in Haa Dzongkhag are accelerating efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in winter vegetable production. As part of this initiative, 25 farmers from the two gewogs have been identified to cultivate nine priority vegetable varieties across 20 acres of land.

The program aims to reduce reliance on imported vegetables while encouraging the community to embrace organic farming practices. The produce will be supplied not only to the local market in Haa but also to other regions, fostering a sense of food security and self-reliance among the residents.

In support of this initiative, the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector will extend technical assistance and other essential inputs to the farmers. This includes training in sustainable agricultural practices, seed distribution, and post-harvest management techniques to ensure high-quality produce. Farmers expressed optimism about the program, highlighting its potential to boost local food production while inspiring others to adopt organic farming.

The Dzongkhag Agriculture Officer of Haa Dzongkhag, Chimi Wangchuk, has outlined a comprehensive plan to strengthen vegetable production in the region. Emphasizing the importance of a well-structured work plan, the initiative focuses on crop selection and market-oriented farming practices to enhance the quality and diversity of produce. Farmers in Haa have taken various initiatives to cultivate vegetables, with the agriculture office compiling a detailed list of the crops being grown. Unlike earlier practices that focused solely on growing and selling vegetables, the new strategy emphasizes “grow to sell,” ensuring that production aligns with market demand. The approach includes a study of market preferences to guide farmers in selecting crops with higher demand and profitability.

According to Chimi Wangchuk, individual farmers have committed to cultivating varying land sizes, ranging from 30 decimals to as much as three acres. Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers, the Dzongkhag Agriculture Office has agreed to provide support through a cost-sharing mechanism for essential resources such as water supply, fencing, green nets, and polyhouses.

Farmers have also raised the need for mini tillers, which are highly convenient for plowing fields with minimal manpower. The agriculture office has assured them that their requirements will be met, enabling more efficient and productive farming practices. To ensure the success of these initiatives, the roles and responsibilities of individual farmers have been clearly defined. The Dzongkhag has committed to guaranteeing market access for their produce, starting with local markets within Haa, extending to other dzongkhags, and even exploring opportunities with national projects such as Gyalsung, if necessary.

Wang Tshering, the Gup of Gakiling Gewog, shared that the initiative is a proactive step to address the community’s reliance on vegetables imported from other dzongkhags and beyond, especially during the winter months. “We have always depended on imported vegetables during the cold season. This initiative aims to change that trend while providing economic benefits to our farmers,” said the Gup.

The primary objective of the program is to not only minimize the need for imported vegetables but also to promote economic growth among local farmers. By cultivating their produce, farmers can enhance their livelihoods, generate a sustainable income, and support the local economy. “Our farmers are motivated by the success stories of other dzongkhags that supply vegetables to projects like Gyalsung. Inspired by these examples, we plan to explore similar opportunities to market our produce effectively and ensure that our farmers earn a fair income,” the Gup added. As the planting season begins, the farmers of Gakiling Gewog look forward to a productive winter, paving the way for a future of agricultural self-reliance and prosperity.

Sangbay Gewog under Haa Dzongkhag is taking a significant step towards achieving self-sufficiency in vegetable production, aiming to reduce dependence on imported produce. According to Tobgay, the Gup of Sangbay Gewog, the initiative will focus on cultivating winter vegetables to meet local demand, particularly for schools in the area.

The Gewog’s initiative has already garnered the support of 15 farmers who have committed to growing a variety of vegetables. The objective is to inspire more farmers to engage in vegetable cultivation, not only to enhance food security but also to boost their income and improve living standards. The organic produce will primarily be supplied to local schools, ensuring that children receive nutritious meals while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The Dzongkhag has extended unwavering support to our efforts, which motivates our farmers to work hard and stay committed. “We are optimistic that these efforts will yield excellent results in the future,” Gup Tobgay said. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of reducing reliance on imported vegetables, which are often more expensive and less sustainable.

By focusing on locally grown organic produce, the Gewog aims to address both nutritional and economic concerns within the community. The Gewog’s efforts reflect a larger movement towards self-reliance in Bhutan’s agricultural sector, emphasizing the importance of local solutions to address national challenges. As these farmers continue their journey, Sangbay Gewog is setting a commendable example of community-driven progress in achieving food security.

Tshewang Dorji, a farmer from Gakiling Gewog, has taken a significant step toward commercial farming by registering one acre of his land for vegetable cultivation. His focus is on growing cauliflower, beans, and spinach. Reflecting on past challenges, Tshewang shared his earlier concerns about the lack of reliable market platforms to sell his produce.

However, with the support of the Dzongkhag Agriculture Department, he expressed optimism about a more productive future. “The initiative from the agriculture department is very encouraging. It has eased my worries about where to sell our vegetables,” Tshewang said. The department’s assistance is expected to bridge the gap between local farmers and markets, ensuring fair prices and reducing post-harvest losses. Looking ahead, Tshewang is optimistic about expanding his fields. “If this project succeeds, I plan to extend my cultivation to include fruits alongside vegetables. This will diversify our production and improve our income,” he stated. He also highlighted the need for better infrastructure to support agricultural growth. “Transportation is a challenge for us. The road is currently far from my home, and improving accessibility would make it much easier to deliver our produce to markets,” he emphasized.

Sonam Dawa, another farmer has expressed concerns about water scarcity affecting his agricultural pursuits. Despite the challenge, he has registered 30 decimals of land for a trial cultivation of beans, marking a small but hopeful step toward improving his livelihood. Sonam shared his optimism about the initiative introduced by the Dzongkhag Agriculture Department, which he believes could bring significant benefits to local farmers. “If the water scarcity issue is resolved, I plan to expand my fields and grow a variety of crops,” he said.

The lack of sufficient water has been a persistent challenge for farmers in the region, limiting their ability to cultivate diverse and high-yield crops. Sonam is confident that with the right interventions from the authorities, including efficient water management systems, he could significantly enhance his productivity. In addition to beans, Sonam is considering diversifying his farming portfolio to include other vegetables, provided the water supply becomes reliable.

The Dzongkhag Agriculture Department’s support has given him hope that sustainable solutions will be implemented to address water shortages, ensuring better prospects for farmers like him. With the rising focus on self-sufficiency and local production, addressing water scarcity could encourage more farmers to engage in agriculture.