Vegetable wholesalers in Thimphu can soon look forward to improved facilities at the Babesa truck parking area, where vendors currently operate. The agriculture and livestock minister informed the National Assembly that infrastructure development is already underway at the site.
During the Question Hour, Lingmukha Toedwang’s MP Namgay Wangchuk asked the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock about its plan to establish a reliable and permanent vegetable market for wholesalers in Thimphu.
Lingmukha Toedwang MP Namgay Wangchuk said, “There are no proper sheds for vegetable sellers in the area. Moreover, the market starts at 5 am and finishes around 10 am. Around that time, it is crowded with people and vehicles. Then after that, they take their produce and sell it at other places.”
To this, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Younten Phuntsho said the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives designated the truck parking area for wholesaler vendors a few years ago.
The ministry has now leased the space for three years from Thimphu Thromde and began constructing facilities including toilets, fencing and blacktopping the road.
While the construction is underway, as a temporary arrangement, the ministry has provided a space near the Olakha bridge.
“Within three years, we aim to provide amenities such as toilets and parking, which will be constructed soon,” added the minister.
The Minister said that by July, wholesalers will be able to operate from the truck parking with the facilities.
He also mentioned that those interested in retailing vegetables can do so at Kaja Throm, where more than a hundred stalls currently remain vacant.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has submitted a proposal to the World Bank for the construction of a permanent vegetable wholesale market outside Thimphu.
Kinzang Lhadon
