The Sangshingzor Vegetable Group in Samdrup Jongkhar’s Phuentshogthang Gewog has increased its income through off-season vegetable farming. The group aims to expand production to supply vegetables to local schools and training centers. However, a water shortage is impeding farmers from scaling up cultivation.
The 17-member group recently harvested around 5,000 kilograms of early potatoes cultivated on an acre of land. The potatoes earned them more than Nu 130,000.
The group is also growing vegetables such as broccoli, beans and cabbages, and the yield is as good as that of potatoes.
The demand for locally produced vegetables in the district is growing.
The combination of bountiful harvests and a growing market has motivated the group to cultivate more.
They now plan to supply vegetables to schools under Samdrupchhoeling Drungkhag and the Pemathang Gyalsung Training Centre.
However, the lack of irrigation water remains a pressing concern. Currently, they are using drinking water to irrigate their crops, which they say is insufficient for large-scale vegetable production.
“Now our vegetable group will supply vegetables to schools as the Dzongda, Gup, and school principals have all agreed to it. So we have to cultivate more vegetables, but with water shortages, I’m worried,” said Yeshi Jamtsho, a villager.
“We cultivated potatoes last year in November, and right now, production is good. We are happy. We used overflowing drinking water for this cultivation, but for mass cultivation, water will not be sufficient. The Gup has agreed to provide us with additional water supply facilities if we continue to cultivate vegetables on a large scale,” said Sherab Dorjji, another villager.
“Without enough water, vegetables don’t grow well and become vulnerable to pests. We need more water to grow more vegetables, currently, we are struggling with water shortages to grow more vegetables,” said Sangay, a villager.
Recognizing the group’s potential, the Phuentshothang Gewog administration has expressed willingness to support them if they continue growing vegetables on a mass scale.
Cultivating off-season vegetables by the Sangshingzor Vegetable Group not only boosts income but also helps reduce vegetable imports. However, their struggle with water shortages highlights the need for better irrigation infrastructure to sustain and expand agricultural activities in the region.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Sangay Chezom
