It’s the season of fresh vegetables and farm produce, but farmers of Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog in Daga Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang, are facing difficulties in selling their harvest. The poor condition of the farm road has made transportation challenging and, at times, dangerous for travellers. The locals are urging for immediate renovation of the road to ensure safe and reliable access.
The farmers of Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog are the largest producers of vegetables and fruits in Daga Gewog. More people are now leasing land to expand agricultural production.
However, during the monsoon, when the weather gets harsh with heavy rains and slippery roads, farmers question their decision to grow farm produce that they struggle to transport to market.
Some locals say they even resort to carrying their produce on foot to Kamichhu.
The farm road, stretching over seven kilometres from Kamichhu to Kamina-Wogyal Chiwog, was constructed in 2015.
Winding through steep cliffs and rugged terrain, the road has since worsened. Several stretches are riddled with potholes, while others resemble rough tracks covered in boulders, making travel risky and unreliable.
“We have no other source of income besides vegetable farming. We rely on selling our produce to buy daily essentials, clothing, and to pay for our children’s needs. The road’s condition is causing serious difficulties,” said Sonam Pem, a resident of Daga Gewog.
Norbu, another resident said, “The government encourages us to produce more, however, road conditions are bad. It discourages us from even staying in our village. We feel that we should leave the village altogether and move to town.”
Moreover, travelling along the road is becoming increasingly expensive for the residents.
Kamina-Wogyal Tshogpa Dorji said, “We have to repair our vehicle at least twice a week due to the potholes on the road. Sometimes, the vehicle’s springs break, and at other times, the body gets damaged.”
Daga Gup Kinga said, “Firstly, we don’t get vehicles. Even if we do, we are worried about getting into accidents. However, I can’t do anything. I’ve already raised the issue with the ministry and district administration, but with no response, there’s nothing more I can do.”
Local leaders say that while major renovation is beyond the gewog’s budget, the office carries out regular maintenance. The PHPA project also helps with occasional clearing and upkeep, but these efforts are not enough.
According to the district administration, renovation was attempted in the 2023–2024 financial year, but it failed due to budget constraints. Now, the office has plans to propose it for the next financial year.
“Our engineers have conducted a study and estimated the cost of renovating the road to be over 6 million ngultrum. We are prioritising this road renovation in the next financial year. It will be given top priority in the 2026–2027 financial year,” said Rinzin Wangchuk, Planning Officer, Wangdue Phodrang.
There are 13 households in the chiwog, and the residents say they do not need special support, just a reliable road to bring their produce to market and sustain their livelihoods.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
