The newly constructed Tsatsti Guram processing unit is helping the farmers of Nanong Gewog in Pema Gatshel, improve the production of Jaggery or Tsatsi Guram. With the new facility, farmers are not only able to maintain the quality of their product but also meet the market demand, ensuring a stable income.
It is the season for Jaggery production in Nanong and Tshatshi chiwogs. The farmers bring sugar canes to the newly built Tsatsi Guram processing unit at Zhingray.
The facility is bigger, cleaner and now has a water connection, making it easier for farmers to wash sugar cane. They then feed the washed sugar cane through a sugar juice extraction machine. The juice is filtered and boiled until it solidifies into jaggery.
The group members usually produce around 60 kilograms of jaggary each season.
Previously, the farmers operated from a temporary hut after receiving the extraction machine in 2019.
Nanong-Pangthang Tshogpa Tashi Dorji said, “Bringing the sugar cane here used to be a challenge and it was difficult to maintain cleanliness. But now, with the new unit, we have plenty of space to store and sell our products, and we can accommodate anyone who brings their sugar cane for processing.”
Dawa Norbu, a farmer said, “I was always worried about the old hut catching fire or people stealing parts. I also feared it would get damaged. But now, with the new unit, there’s no dust, and we can ensure proper hygiene during the extraction process.”
“We feel much more at ease now. We can enter the hall directly and begin the extraction process. The old hut was too small and we had to wait outside for our turn. Now, that’s no longer an issue,” said Ugyen Lhamo, a farmer.
With the upgraded facilities, farmers say their interest in production has grown and they are optimistic about increasing their earnings.
Dawa Norbu said, “Many farmers didn’t know a better way to process sugar cane. They couldn’t participate in the old method. But now, the process is much easier and more productive. Even if we have to hire a vehicle to transport the sugar cane here, we don’t have to worry about losses.”
The Chiwog plans to improve the unit’s operation by encouraging more farmers to join as members. At present, all farmers including 24 members of a farmer’s group are using the new facility.
Nanong-Pangthang Tshogpa Tashi Dorji said, “In my chiwog, I plan to bring all sugar cane growers together into one group. We’ll discuss how to sell the sugar to the unit at a fair price and also plan to hire workers, ensuring fair compensation for the unit operators.”
The processing unit was completed in April last year with a budget of over Nu 4.9 M. The project was funded by the Commercial Agriculture and Resilient Livelihoods Enhancement Programme and implemented by the District Agriculture Sector of Pema Gatshel.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
