Like many hardworking farmers across the country, 42-year-old Lhap Tshering from Goenshari Gewog in Punakha fends for his family through farming. However, he does it a bit differently. From vegetables to mushrooms to orchids, he grows them all on his leased land. Through his horticulture approach to farming, Tshering is earning handsomely and becoming an exemplary farmer in the locality.
Lhap Tshering and his wife are busy weeding their peanut plants in their one-and-half acres of leased land at Kapa-Tapsa. The father of four grows all sorts of vegetables but mostly cauliflower and broccoli.
He also grows fruits, strawberries and other cash crops in his garden. Besides, Lhap Tshering also raises mushrooms and wild orchids.
The former Mangmi says he has now become financially stable through the sale of his farm produce.
“Our parents used to tell us that it is always better to stay home and cultivate our ancestral land. I think this is exceptionally true. Farming entails only a short process of sowing and weeding. After that, we can start making money.”
His neighbours appreciate the work of Lhap Tshering. Likewise, some farmers, encouraged by his work, ask him to share his knowledge.
“I have not visited fellow farmers and taught them how to crops like me. However, some of them come here asking how I am able to produce vegetables throughout the year. So, I share with them everything I know.”
Lhap Tshering also collects wild plants such as ferns from the nearby forest and sells them at the Khuruthang vegetable market. And just like that, the life of a hardworking farmer unfolds, providing for his family and contributing to food self-sufficiency in his little ways.
Changa Dorji, Punakha
Edited by Kipchu
