The Centenary Farmers Market (CFM) in Thimphu is undergoing a major renovation. And for now, to cater to the needs of vendors and shoppers, the market has been relocated just opposite the CFM. The new space is expected to create a better experience for shoppers and allow vendors to create an attractive and inviting display of their produce.
This is the temporary market. From this space, shoppers can get all kinds of food items. From fruits, vegetables, dairy and livestock products, cereals, Doma Pani and incense products to the nursery, the stall is streamlined into different sections.
Although it’s just been a few days, if one visits this market, be it during the day or night, one can witness a huge crowd.
“We are very grateful to His Majesty The king. I feel that the sales will eventually pick up. Currently, it might be because the space is newly located. We are thankful to His Majesty for giving us such a beautiful space,” said Chencho Lhamo, a vendor.
“I feel happy with the new space. It is different than before. Every day the number of people visiting this place is increasing,” said Lhamo, another vendor.
“It’s very clean here. I just came to know about this place right now. This place is way cleaner than the CFM,” said Pema, a customer.
According to the agriculture ministry, the current stall is also to encourage the night market owing to the heat during the daytime. On the weekdays, the market is open from 8 am till 10 PM. But during the weekends, the market remains open even after 10 PM.
Meanwhile, the refurbishment of the CFM’s upper floor is expected to finish in two months. The CFM was inaugurated in 2008. Besides roofing and drainage construction, the market didn’t undergo any renovations until now.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Tshering Zam
