Nutritious foods provide body and mind with the energy needed to grow, feel good, be active, stay healthy and learn. The students of Drukjegang Central School and Pangna Primary School in Dagana have been getting their share of nutritious foods from their district. Thuenpa Puenzhi Sanam Detshen, an agriculture group, in Dagana has been supplying different varieties of vegetables to the two schools for more than three years now.
Thuenpa Puenzhi Agriculture Group has fifteen members. Given the high demand, some of the members have ventured into mass potato cultivation. They have been supplying it to the two schools regardless of the seasons.
“The potato is in high demand. This could be because we have started growing an improved variety of potatoes called, YusiMaap, which is high in nutrient content,” said Tshering Tashi, chairperson of the group.
The group also grows other vegetables like green chillies, beans, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. The group has greatly benefitted by supplying vegetables to the schools.
“Being a member of the group, it has been easier for us to sell our vegetables. We are also able to make a good income. I could earn Nu 100,000 last year,” said Sonam Dorji, a member of the group.
“The membership in the group has benefited all of us. We are provided with equipment by the government. Moreover, led by the chairperson of the group, the vegetables are supplied in the school and accordingly given our share of income,” said Sangay Zangmo, another member of the group.
However, the wild-life conflict has been a challenge for the members.
“There are a lot of people who are interested to take up farming. But the wild-life conflict has discouraged many. And due to this, we had to give up farming once. Had it not been for the Sanam Detshen’s initiative, we would not have been able to grow vegetables and earn income,” said Thinley Wangchuk, secretary of the group.
The dzongkhag agriculture sector has played a key role in the success of the group. They have been providing equipment like a greenhouse, electric fencing, plastic mulch, seedlings and training among others to the farmers.
“If agriculture is to be a success in the country, firstly, the farmers have to be provided with adequate equipment and resources. And secondly, providing them with the market to sell their produce is important,” said Kinley Namgyel, assistant district agriculture officer.
Theunpa Puenzhi Sanam Detshen started supplying vegetables to the two schools in 2018. Growing vegetables on 18 acres of land, the group earns about Nu 2.5 M annually.
Karma Wangdi, Dagana
Edited by Sonam Pem
