After the district agriculture sector facilitated markets amid lockdown, Tsirang, the reservoir for fresh vegetables whole round the year, has been able to market their farm products non-stop. Since the lockdown, the dzongkhag supplied around 20 DCM truckloads of mixed vegetables so far.
The Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation (BLDC) became the new avenue through which the farmers could reach their vegetables to consumers amidst strict travel restrictions. Respective Gewog agriculture extension officials along with identified vendors initiated the collection of vegetables from farmers. And this initiative has helped farmers in the dzongkhag operate an uninterrupted vegetable business.
Bal Bdr. Tamang usually takes his vegetables to Wangdue Phodrang and Damphu in Tsirang. However, he worried that the travel restriction this time could compromise his earning. But he was wrong.
”With the help of the Gewog agriculture extension officials, I can sell vegetables without any problem,’’ he said.
If not for the Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation, another farmer San Man Subba said, ”it would have been difficult for us to sell our farm and livestock products.’’
One of the identified vendors is Bal Bdr. Tamang. He has been operating a vegetable business for the last eight years. He said the continuity of the business even amid the lockdown has helped him feed his family and pay his vehicle loan.
To make the collection of vegetables a hassle-free business, the identified vegetable vendors have been provided with travel permits. The District Agriculture Officer Dorji Gyeltshen said that the smooth business has been possible because of all the possible support from the Tsirang COVID-19 Taskforce.
”Daily, we supply two to three truckloads of mix vegetables to Thimphu and Paro to meet the shortage there,’’ he added. The district agriculture sector is targeting to produce around 4000 metric tons of vegetables this season
Likewise, the district livestock sector also supplied over five truckloads of eggs to BLDC and the nearby districts. The sector has identified vehicles in respective gewogs for the transportation of livestock products.
Although the business has been smooth so far, farmers are hoping to sell their farm and livestock products on their own as it gives them better return.
Pema Tshewang
