For the farmers of Lhamoi Dzingkha Gewog in Dagana, the focus is now on growing areca nut. Human-wildlife conflict and irrigation water shortage for years compelled the farmers to shift their farming practice. Earlier, the farmers used to cultivate paddy and vegetables in abundance.
Except for some, areca nut trees are grown in most of the farmland. Farmers are shifting their focus as the nut is fetching better prices and is easier to sell. Moreover, farmers said the wild animals do not damage the matured areca nut trees compared to other crops.
“The income from the areca nut is enough for our expenditure. We used to cultivate paddy in the fields but we couldn’t harvest much due to wild animal menaces. It is very difficult for us to guard crops, especially during the night,” said Devi Maya Mishra, a farmer.
“The income from areca nut crosses Nu 600,000 when the harvest is good. It is the main source of income for us. Unlike paddy and maize, it is also easier for us to grow the nut. And even wild animals can’t damage the nut trees once fully grown up,” said Purna Bdr. Mukhia, another farmer.
Today, 480 households in the gewog grow areca nut on more than 60 acres of land.
According to Lhamoi Dzingkha Gup, although all the chiwogs have electric and solar fencings, they could not serve their purpose when elephants attacked. Moreover, he said growing areca nut is more profitable compared to other crops.
“Some of them have 10 to 13 decimals of land. They told us that growing other crops on small farmland is not enough to make a living. So, they are growing areca nut in their small farmland,” said Surja Bdr. Limboo, Lhamoi Dzingkha Gup.
According to sources, some Indian businessmen make advance payments as soon as the trees start bearing fruits. This has also encouraged many farmers to grow the crop.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
Edited by Tshering Zam
