In an effort to enhance the livelihoods of the members of Khatoed Rangzhin Sanam Detshen in Gasa, the district administration recently organised a training on black garlic production. The gewog produces garlic in abundance but they have been selling it without much diversification. Through the training, it is expected to help farmers earn a good income.
All 18 members of the Rangzhin Sanam Detshen attended the training. They were taught how to prepare black garlic. The training was conducted last week.
The farmers dry the fresh garlic and then place it in a rice cooker, which has an attached lid. The garlic should be cooked in the “Keep Warm” setting for nine days to three weeks.
“After that, the garlic turns black. The garlic is then peeled and sold. It can be sold as a paste. In Gasa, we harvest garlic in April and May and we will use the skills acquired. There are 18 members and all of them will work on it,” said Tsheltrem Dorji, Agriculture Extension Supervisor.
Through this training, the group members are encouraged to work hard with new ideas.
“We did not know about the black garlic till now. We have acquired knowledge after they provided us with the training. We hope and will work hard hereafter,” said Sonam Zangmo, a member.
“Earlier, we used to sell garlic at Nu 150 per kilogramme. And now if we produce black garlic, we will earn Nu 300 for a kilogramme. We, the people of Khatoed Gewog hope to earn more income,” said Tashi, another member.
“The villagers here produce broccoli and cauliflower during summer. However, while transporting it to Thimphu, it gets spoiled. People are facing problems. The district and gewog administrations have been supporting the villagers and we will support them hereafter,” said Thinley Wangdi, Khatoed Gup.
The Bhutan for Life Initiatives supported the training.
The Khatoed Rangzhin Sanam Detshen was established in 2015. The group manufactures garlic powder, buckwheat cookies, and potato chips.
Tshering Wangchuk, Gasa
Edited by Tshering Zam
