Farmers of Khamdang Gewog in Trashi Yangtse have begun cultivating groundnut on a commercial scale following the establishment of a new processing unit. The Druk Arachis groundnut processing unit, started last year by a group of DeSuups in Doksum has provided farmers with a reliable market for their groundnut products. This development has sparked an increase in groundnut production.
For over a decade, the farmers of Khamdang Gewog have been growing groundnut also called peanuts. However, it was only after the establishment of the groundnut processing unit in Doksum that they were encouraged to cultivate groundnuts on a larger scale.
Currently, farmers cultivate four different varieties of peanuts. Cultivation begins in April and the harvest takes place around August and September.
Previously, farmers would sell the nut primarily within the local markets or even transport them to Tawang in India. However, with the establishment of the processing unit in their vicinity, they now have a market at their doorstep.
“Last year, I harvested over 400 kilograms of groundnuts and sold 300 kilograms, earning more than Nu 15,000. This year, I am expecting a yield of over 600 kilograms,” said Sangay, a farmer.
“Compared to last year, more people have started cultivating groundnut with many cultivating more than half an acre. I have also cultivated around one acre of land this time and now we don’t have to search for a market. Previously, we used to take them to the vegetable market and in Yangtse town to sell, but now it’s much more convenient,” said Lhadon, another farmer.
The Druk Arachis processing unit has been instrumental in supporting the cultivation. Last year, the unit purchased more than 5,500 kilograms of groundnuts for Nu 150 per kilogram.
The processing unit produces various products, including roasted peanuts, peanut Ezay, peanut butter and candy. These products are not only sold locally but also distributed to other districts.
The groundnut-processing unit is managed by a group of DeSuup youth. The processing machinery was supported by the One Gewog One Product initiative while the building was constructed with Nu 1.8 M support from the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme.
Around 150 households cultivate groundnut in Khamdang Gewog. The gewog produced about eight metric tonnes of groundnut last year.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
Edited by Sonam Pem
