From depending on rainwater to using sprinklers, farmers of Kalapang village in Monggar have come a long way. Although the farmers have been challenged with acute water shortages for years, they didn’t leave vegetable farming. But from this year, many farmers started venturing into commercial farming due to the completion of a water project.
For 67-year-old Pema Wangdi from Kalapang village in Monggar, age is just a number. His passion for commercial farming has not died.
These days, his five-acre farmland is filled with fresh green vegetables and fruits. All thanks to the DeSuung National Service Water Project which was completed last year.
For years, farmers like Pema Wangdi grew cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. But this time they are growing other vegetables and fruits.
“In the past, we faced irrigation water shortage. However, His Majesty The King gifted the water project and now we don’t face water problems. With adequate irrigation water, we are growing potatoes and beans on a trial basis. Due to lack of water, we did not grow beans and potatoes in the past,” said Pema Wangdi.
Some of the vegetables will be ready for harvest within a week. On average, each household earns Nu 50,000 to 100,000 depending on the size of the land. And they sell the farm produce at Gyalpoizhing in Monggar and nearby districts.
“We depend on vegetable and orchard farming. From that income, we have to meet our children’s expenses. I have six children and all of them are studying. We don’t have to depend on others as we are self-sufficient. In a year, we earn about Nu 100,000,” said Pema Wangdi.
“In the past, not many were interested when it came to commercial vegetable farming. It is due to inadequate irrigation water. But now we have adequate water. We are grateful to His Majesty for the water project. Now we will grow more vegetables. In my field, I have broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, beans, garlic and onion,” said Sonam Zangmo, a farmer.
“In the past, due to the irrigation water shortage, we weren’t able to take up commercial vegetable farming. But now we are grateful to His Majesty The King for solving the water problem,” said Rinchen Wangmo, another farmer.
There are around 21 households in Kalapang village. And according to the farmers, until last year, the village used to produce 20 tons of vegetables every year.
But this year, they are expecting more than 30 tons of vegetables.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
Edited by Tshering Zam
