In pursuit of food security and economic Development, Dagana dzongkhag organised the first-ever Dagap Farm Festival, which began today.
The dzongkhag’s economic development officer proposed the festival to the Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) with an intention to improve the district’s status in economic development at the national level. The DT, in its last sitting, endorsed the two-day event.
The festival is being held at the Dagapela Middle Secondary School.
“According to the National Housing and Population Survey, it was found that from over 5,000 households in Dagana some 10% face food insufficiency. However, if we provide them with an opportunity to sell their farm products, they will be able to make some income,” Tshering Ngidup, the Economic Development Officer said.
“This program is in line with the country’s policy to eradicate poverty, promote tourism and to boost the community’s economy. This is also to set precedence to youths who will be a responsible person in the future to tackle national issues at the local level,” Lhawang Dorji, the DT chairperson, said.
At the festival, livestock and agricultural products such as rice, locally extracted oil and vegetables are on display.
“This is my first time in Dagana seeing all these products,” Purni Maya Sherpa, a resident, said.
“We are not aware of so many farm products available in the dzongkhag until today. We are happy we were able to take part and visit the stalls. If dzongkhag continues with the program in the future, I am sure it can attract visitors from other districts as well,” Pema Jamtsho, another resident, said.
“We are happy that we were able to sell most of our farm products today,” Tshering Dema from Gesarling said.
The Population and Housing Census of Bhutan 2017 report revealed Dagana as one of the poorest dzongkhags in the country. And the poverty rate stands at 33.3 %, according to the Poverty Analysis Report 2017.
Namgay Wangchuk
