Vegetable farming used to be one of the main sources of income for farmers of Panbang Dungkhag in Zhemgang. About a decade ago, the farmers of four gewogs under the Dungkhag also took interest in growing vegetables in winter. But despite the interest and promise in farming, the lack of a proper vegetable market in the region has been posing a problem to not only the farmers but to the consumers as well.
Without a proper vegetable market, getting fresh vegetables in Panbang is quite challenging. Currently, one has to go around visiting the few shops in Panbang town to buy vegetables.
But residents say most of the time they only get wilted and old vegetables. On top of that, they say the vegetables don’t come cheap.
“In Panbang, we never get fresh vegetables. If the relevant authority could establish a proper market here, it would greatly benefit everyone,” said Jigme Selden, a resident.
”Without a proper place to sell vegetables, farmers from nearby villages face challenges because they have to look here and there for a spot where they sell their produce which is a challenging task,” said Sangay Tenzin, another resident.
“During the summer months, it is very problematic, we can’t get fresh vegetables at all,” said Tshering Lhamo, who is from Panbang.
The lack of a designated market and sheds for selling vegetables has also become a discouragement for the farmers.
Farmers said there is potential for commercial success since Panbang has now become a central point as travellers between the south, east and central regions pass through the place.
Meanwhile, the Dungkhag office says there is currently there is no plan to construct a vegetable market in Panbang. They said it would be possible if the new town planning comes into execution.
There are about two thousand people living in and around Panbang Dungkhag.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
