Farmers of Berti village in Trong Gewog of Zhemgang reaped a bumper harvest of the watermelon over the past five years. However, this season, the harvest is bad. Therefore, some farmers have resorted to chilli cultivation to keep their source of income intact.
It was disheartening for the farmers to see their months of sweated labour go in vain this time. The production of the watermelon, which is their main commercial crop, is not good this year.
According to the farmers’ estimate, the yield is down by almost 80 per cent compared to the past five years.
While they blame the pest for the poor yield, agriculture officials cite scientific reasons related to the crop resulting in poor fruition, if grown in the same area for more than three years.
Otherwise, the commercial crop has helped farmers to thicken their pockets.
In the past, a household in Berti Village used to earn an income of about Nu 200,000 by selling watermelons, but no more.
“Pests have wilted watermelon crops and there is nothing during the fruiting period,” said one of the farmers, Dorji Wangmo.
Her farming mates have similar issues to share.
“Before, I earned about Nu 35,000 from the sale of watermelons. This time, forget earning income, the production is not enough for personal consumption. The root of the crop is wilting,” lamented Cheychey.
As a backup plan, a group of eleven female farmers are growing spice on two acres of agricultural land. They have also cultivated chilli last winter.
“I am clueless about what things will fare in the future. But as of now, our farming group has grown chilli on a commercial scale and hopes to make profits once they hit the market,” said Dawa Dema.
If the venture mirrors the successful production of watermelon, it will become a vital source of income for more than 20 households in Berti Village.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
