Farmers in Trashigang’s Lumang Gewog have long struggled to sell their surplus farm produce due to the lack of a proper market nearby. As a result, many of their vegetables and cereals were either fed to cattle or sold at compromised prices. Now, a new community market shed in Riserbu is expected to change this narrative. The shed, constructed by the Tarayana Foundation with support from the Bhutan Foundation, was inaugurated yesterday.
Farmers of Lumang Gewog grow a variety of cereals, vegetables, and fruits across different seasons. However, due to the lack of a marketplace nearby, excess produce is often fed to cattle or sold at low prices.
While some farmers manage to sell their produce in Wamrong, a few even travel as far as Samdrup Jongkhar during times of large harvest.
Now, a new community market shed in Riserbu, constructed using bamboo, is expected to ease the challenge. The market shed, located along the Trashigang–Samdrup Jongkhar highway, will provide space for farmers to sell their locally produced goods.
The first floor, with several partitions, will be used to sell local products. The ground floor will serve as a space to dry vegetables and process food.
We have been facing a problem in selling vegetables. As a result, our crops either get damaged in the fields or end up as fodder for cattle. I think this market will benefit us in selling our excess produce. We are thankful to the Tarayana Foundation for helping us,” said Tendi Zangmo, a Resident, Lumang Gewog, Trashigang.
“We will collect cereals from our farmers and process them into flour, and make cupcakes and biscuits. We will also collect vegetables to sell here, where we can dry the leftovers and sell as dried vegetables,” said Ugyen Phuntsho, another Resident, Lumang Gewog, Trashigang.
“Before, I used to send my excess green chilli to Pema Gatshel to sell, but hereafter, I will not have to hire a vehicle and travel. I can bring my farm produce here, which is near my village. It will benefit the farmers,” said Kezang Lhadon, a Resident, Lumang Gewog, Trashigang.
“I grow cauliflower, broccoli, and green chilli, but cannot sell the produce in the village. So, I used to carry them and sell them to nearby schools. As I do not have a machine to dry, the vegetables often get damaged or become cattle feed. I am happy that I can sell my farm produce here now,” said Kencho Wangmo, a Resident, Lumang Gewog, Trashigang.
The market shed will be managed by a group of youth.
Tarayana Foundation has trained the youth group in management and food processing a few months ago.
The construction of the market shed began in February, and it was completed last month. The Bhutan Foundation supported the project by providing more than Nu 2.6 M.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
