Good news for vegetable vendors and shoppers in Samtse. The district will soon have a new three-storey vegetable shed, a major upgrade from the old temporary market. Construction works are underway, expected to be completed by next year.
Samtse town’s vegetable vendors have long battled the heat, overcrowding, and the lack of basic facilities. With no permanent market, farmers were forced to sell their produce every Sunday under temporary tents on private land.
But change is on the horizon. The district is constructing a new three-storey vegetable shed, worth Nu 45 M, at the old vegetable shed area in Devithang, behind the main town.
Spanning a 1.2-acre area, the shed will house between 60 to 70 stalls across its ground and first floors. Each floor will also provide store rooms for vendors to safely store their goods, along with toilets and water facilities.
The market will also have dedicated spaces for setting up meat and dairy farm shops, making it a complete one-stop marketplace for fresh produce and farm products. The top or third floor and an additional hall above it will remain empty for now, reserved for future expansion as the town grows. Outside, the infrastructure plans include ample parking space, estimated to accommodate around 60 cars. The shed will also have road connectivity options directly linking it to Gurung Basti and the upper town areas, ensuring smooth access for vendors and shoppers.
Vendors say the new market will not only provide them with a safer and more comfortable space, but also benefit consumers.
“It is good that there are plans to construct a vegetable shed where all vendors can come together and sell. It will also help maintain standard prices for vegetables and fruits. Currently, the prices of vegetables and fruits differ,” said Gem Tshering, a vegetable vendor.
According to the Samtse District Administration, the new construction comes at a crucial time as the current market site, located on a private land, is slated for other building developments. Earlier, officials considered locations near the Chorten parking area and between the Bhutan Food Production Office and the football ground. But due to land space challenges, they decided to rebuild at the old vegetable shed site.
Construction began earlier this month with ground clearing and wall works already in progress. Once complete, vendors and shoppers alike can look forward to a better, more organised vegetable market in Samtse.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
