Normally, at this time, paddy growers of Paro would complete their paddy harvesting works. But this year, it has been delayed by weeks. Farmers say continuous rain last month coupled with limited combine harvester machines have affected the timely completion of the work. A combine harvester is a machine that harvests and threshes grain at the same time. They say having more machines would avoid such delay.
Some parts of Paro valley are still covered in a golden hue. Farmers are waiting for their turns to use the combine harvester.
Dechen Pelden from Jangsa under Shari Gewog is yet to finish the harvesting works. She said they normally finish the work by October but even in the mid of November, the work is still ongoing.
“Works were delayed due to the inadequate number of the machine. Our chiwog has only one. Continuous rain last month also affected the work,” she said.
The machine can harvest and thresh over an acre of paddy field in a day. There are 18 such machines in Paro. However, because it is not sufficient, people are asking for a subsidy to buy the machines.
According to one of the farmers, Ugyen, if the government provides them such machines on subsidy, just like the subsidized power tillers, they would be able to buy it.
“It is more expensive than power tillers but it is also more convenient,” added Ugyen.
Owing to the time and labour efficiency, other farmers also said the machines could immensely benefit paddy growers. However, FMCL said it is not feasible.
“Currently, the machine costs at least Nu. 1.5 M. Even with the subsidy, it might cost not less than Nu 1 M. Therefore, people can’t afford it. However, if the government can subsidise, it is well and good. But for now, I think the time is not right,” said Karma Thinley, the Chief Executive Officer of FMCL.
However, even if the government doesn’t provide the subsidy, paddy growers could have a comfortable harvest season next year. The corporation is expecting 20 such machines next month.
Meanwhile, FMCL provides farm machinery and services to farmers at affordable rates. For the combine harvester, farmers pay a little over Nu 50 for harvesting a decimal of paddy.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Chayku
