Almost a year on, Gasa District’s initiative to supply organic vegetables to high-end hotels has been a success. The Rangzhin Sanam Detshen– the first-ever certified organic farmers group of Gasa delivered its first consignment to Thimphu in June, last year.
Despite some hiccups along the way- especially the slower demands from the hoteliers, the group is happy with the end result. It supplied over 12000kg of garlic, potatoes and carrots, and made income of over Nu 500,000.
“Last year, I sold around 250kg of carrots, 1,000 bags of potatoes, and 25kg of garlic. The group has benefited us a lot in uplifting our livelihoods. We just had to pack the vegetables; the suppliers come and take them away,” said one of the members of Rangzhin Sanam Detshen, Wangmo.
These days, the farmers are seen busy working in their fields. Supply of organic vegetables to the hotels will resume in June this year.
“After the start of the group, everyone is showing more interest. Now, we don’t supply in small quantities. We even get better returns. That is why everyone is interested to work harder. The only question is if they are able to work or not,” told another member of the group, Damcho to BBS News.
The group now plans to work and supply vegetables even during winter. From this year, vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and radish will also be introduced.
Currently, the group supplies organic veggies to 10 hotels, and if some other hotels place orders, they will consider them. The project is in keeping with the dzongkhag’s effort to achieve self reliance.
