While men of his age are either working as civil servants or running a business, 50-year-old Sherub Nima from Thrizor village in Khaling, Trashigang, is going strong as a farmer and has become an inspiration to those who shy away from agriculture.
Sherub, who is into commercial vegetable cultivation for the last three years, has made farming a lucrative affair earning him more than Nu 100,000 annually. This year, he earned around Nu 300,000, making it the highest so far.
He grows varieties of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and potatoes. His wife, Ugyen Tshomo, is not just his companion, but his farming partner as well. Recently, they ventured into onion cultivation after the prices shot up amid the pandemic.
“My husband is responsible for marketing our farm produce. I would say that vegetable cultivation is a lucrative business,” said Ugyen Tshomo.
Besides other varieties of vegetables, Sherub Nima has been cultivating mushrooms for three years. “Last year I harvested around 160 kilograms of mushroom and earned Nu 50,000. And this year, the returns were more. I have put up 500 new kinds of wood for mushroom plantation,” he added.
Taking his inspiration, locals in the village have also taken up commercial vegetable cultivation.
“I earn Nu 70,000-80,000 from vegetable annually. But we lose most of our vegetables to wild animals. We would be grateful if we are provided with electric fencing.” said Kelzang Dema, a local in the village.
Jiri-Lemi Primary School used to purchase the vegetables from the farmers. But with school closure amid the pandemic, they have started selling it to Khaling, Kanglung and Trashigang.
Sonam Darjay
