A decade ago, the people of Khangma Chiwog in Pema Gatshel’s Yurung Gewog began growing cardamom to boost their income and improve their livelihood. While the crop helped them make money, it didn’t meet their expectations. However, cardamom prices have doubled this year, bringing farmers significant financial relief.
The residents of Khangma Chiwog began cultivating cardamom about ten years ago after their orange trees were destroyed by the citrus greening disease.
In previous years, the price of cardamom never exceeded Nu 700 per kilogramme. However, this year, farmers have received between Nu 1,400 and 1,500 per kilogramme.
“This year, we feel financially comfortable. We hope the price won’t drop anytime soon. If the prices remain the same in the future, no one will abandon cardamom cultivation,” said Dupjur, a resident of Khangma.
“We are very happy this year. We are motivated to work harder because we can earn more. When we receive a huge amount like this year, we can do more things for our family. If we have debts to pay, we can clear them now. We are very glad this year,” said Karma Zangmo, another resident.
“All of us earned good prices, so we’re financially stable for now. Our children are also happy, and they’re starting to believe that if we continue to work hard, we can earn a good income, even in the village,” said Dawa, also a resident.
Each household earned between Nu 50,000 and 700,000 this year. Farmers said that the high cardamom price this year has motivated them to work harder and cultivate more.
This year, Yurung Gewog sold over six metric tonnes of cardamom, earning more than Nu 9 M. Among chiwogs, Khangma produced the highest and sold over four metric tonnes, earning more than Nu 6 M.
More than 50 households in the Chiwog depend on cardamom cultivation for their income.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
