Vendors selling local farm produce in Trongsa can now continue business even after dusk and late into the night. Their pleas have been heard by the relevant authorities and the entire farmers’ market in Thruepang was finally electrified, recently. The vendors said support like this has eased the way they do business significantly.
It took years for the change to finally come. The shed for about ten vendors selling local farm produce is electrified. They can now do business until 7:30 in the evening for now amid the pandemic.
“We had informed concerned offices and even raised the issue through media in the past but nobody paid heed to it. I am not sure whether it’s due to the new Thromde Ngothsab elect that we have electricity now. Nonetheless, we are very thankful,” said Passang Wangmo, a vegetable vendor.
“We are thankful not only for the light facility but also for allowing us to stock the goods at the shed here itself,” said Nima, another vegetable vendor.
“Earlier our daily sale was minimal as we had to leave home early. But now with the shed lit, more people come to buy and we can sell more during the evening hours,” said Dechen Choki, a vegetable vendor.
“With the shed electrified, we need not have to worry about losing our produce to thieves,” said Dema.
Trongsa farmers’ market is divided into two compartments. The compartment occupied by the vendors selling imported vegetables and fruits was electrified long ago. The one designated for the local vendors was left without electricity. And due to this, they had to leave home before dusk.
In August last year, the municipality said there is no provision to electrify the shed as the space was meant for day sellers from the nearby villages who are expected to return home by three in the evening.
But today, they have the luxury to stay back even after dark. And this is going to help most of the farmers who supply their vegetables to these vendors.
Passang, Trongsa
