In a shift from traditional subsistence farming practice, farmers of Khar Gewog in Pema Gatshel have embraced large-scale sunflower cultivation. As the fields turn bright yellow, the villagers are already seeing promise in their petals. With a focus on self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imported cooking oil, the gewog’s new venture is blooming with hope.
In Khar village, sunflowers were once grown just for beautification near homes. Villagers here now grow it in fields as a cash crop. The flowers are now in full bloom.
Farmers say the sight is not just beautiful, it’s deeply fulfilling. This year marks the first-ever mass cultivation of sunflowers in the village, and the results have met the farmers’ expectations.
The plants have grown healthy, and the heads are now swelling with seeds, slowly approaching harvest time.
“The agriculture sector and the gewog officials told us that we can earn an income by growing such crops. That is how we began cultivating sunflowers. It is also easy to grow. We are expecting to produce some oil for sale,” said Yonten Jamtsho, a Resident, Khar Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
“Now, it is almost maturing to harvest. In the past, we used to produce mustard oil, but not sunflower oil. We used to consume the imported ones. We are happy to have this opportunity to produce sunflower oil on our own,” said Tshewang Choden, another Resident, Khar Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
Farmers are eager to extract oil from the seeds once they ripen, to produce their home-grown cooking oil. This initiative is not only about generating income, it’s about food security and reducing reliance on imported cooking oil.
What started as a small initiative is already making a big difference. Many farmers who hesitated to try the new crop are now inspired. They have already shown an interest in cultivating sunflowers from next season.
“Mesmerised by the blooming fields, we are also encouraged to grow sunflowers now. I will also start cultivation by next year. It is always better if we can produce naturally without adding any chemicals on our own,” said Norbu Jamtsho, also a Resident, Khar Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
“It is better that we cultivate sunflowers. The wild animals like monkeys and wild boars do not harm this crop. And we can also revive our fallow land to grow the crop. If the crop yield is promising, I am planning to cultivate more hereafter,” said Tashi Dawa, a Resident, Khar Gewog, Pema Gatshel.
In Khar Gewog, more than 50 households started cultivating sunflower on up to 30 acres of fields. The gewog has supported them by providing seeds.
The first season of sunflowers has sown more than seeds, it has sparked a passion for local production and sustainability.
As the fields turn gold, so do the dreams of the farmers who now believe in the power of growing something new.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Phub Gyem
