A few years ago, farmers of Lower Kheng in Zhemgang started growing ginger on a commercial scale. The returns were encouraging. However, with the current COVID situation in the country, farmers are not optimistic about good business despite a good yield this time.
It is time to harvest ginger in Panbang and Kagtong village in Ngangla Gewog. Farmers have harvested more than 48 tons or about five truckloads of ginger earlier this month. But they remain worried. There is no market with the present COVID situation in the country.
“Here in Kaktong, we have a problem selling ginger. Last year, the farm shop of FCBL had bought all our ginger. However, there is no news of the buyback system this time like last year. But we are expecting the FCBL would come and buy our produce,” said Rinchen Pelmo, a farmer in Kaktong.
“We have harvested almost all. Some have packed and kept in the house and some have dried because we could not sell right after the harvest. We are worried about our hard earn cash crop that would go in vain. I am sure that the government would arrange the buyback system like last year. If so, it would be a great help,” said Karma, another farmer.
Meanwhile, the Food Corporation of Bhutan in Gelephu said a focal person will be sent to Zhemgang by the first week of March. The corporation will collect ginger for one month. This is being done in collaboration with the dzongkhag agriculture sector and the agriculture ministry.
Last year, Zhemgang sold about 500 tons of ginger. And since ginger is one of the main cash crops for the people of lower Kheng, this intervention would mean everything for the farmers here.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
