Farmers in Tsirang’s Sergithang Gewog have resumed quinoa cultivation this year. After growing the crop for a few years, they abandoned it due to marketing challenges and low prices during the COVID-19 pandemic. Quinoa is identified as Sergithang’s One Gewog One Product. The crop is considered highly nutritious and often referred to as a “superfood.”
Farmers across all five chiwogs in Sergithang Gewog are cultivating quinoa, with a particular focus on Sergithang Maed Chiwog, which is certified for organic agriculture production.
Around 50 households in the chiwog have started growing quinoa, hoping for better market opportunities and prices this time.
Phugay Dukpa, a farmer said“We came to know that quinoa has high nutritional value. Moreover, we have been told that buyers will come directly to our doorstep, making it easier to sell. That is why we are interested in growing the crop.”
Bal Bdr. Rai, another farmer said “I started growing quinoa with seeds provided by the government. The crop is growing well. If I can harvest around 200 to 300 kilogrammes, I can sell it and buy essential household items.”
Lam Dukpa, who is also a farmer said “I am hopeful of earning income from selling it, while also keeping some for self-consumption. So, I am working hard.”
For the first time, farmers of Tashithang chiwog in the gewog will grow the crop in their wetland. Agriculture officials recently demonstrated how to cultivate the crop and distribute seeds free of cost.
Khina Maya, a farmer said “I am growing quinoa on 20 decimals of land for the first time. I do not know how the yield will be, but if it grows well, I will expand the cultivation next year.”
The gewog agriculture extension office is expecting around 20 metric tonnes of quinoa this time.
The crop will be ready for harvest from January and last till March.
The Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor D.B Ghalley assured that this time farmers would not face any marketing issues like in the past.
“We have consulted with officials. SoEs will visit the gewog to purchase quinoa directly from the farmers. Nu 105 per kilogramme will be paid for unmilled quinoa. Accordingly, we have informed the farmers about the price.”
The government has identified quinoa as the priority crop in the 13th Five-Year Plan due to its high nutritional value and potential to generate income for farmers.
Quinoa was first brought into the country in 2015 from Peru in South America.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
