Watermelons were once considered unsuitable for farming in Pema Gatshel. But that perception is changing, thanks to a group of determined farmers in Yurung Gewog. What began as a small experiment has blossomed into a fruitful venture today.
In Dungsingma village, the watermelon fields are kept securely locked, not to preserve the fruit, but to protect it from thieves.
For the past three years, three local women have been growing watermelons.
But this year’s harvest has exceeded all expectations.
“I’m very happy. We’ve never seen such a good yield before. It’s truly exciting. Now that the government has supported us with fencing, we’re planning to scale up. Selling is not a problem. Schools and shops readily buy from us,” said Ugyen Pelzom.
The women say the crop is easy to manage and have even planted them alongside the chilli plants.
“We planted them in our chilli garden, so there’s no extra work for the wedding. That makes it simple and encouraging. We’re now planning to try mixed cropping,” says another group member, Samten Lhamo.
“We used seeds from watermelons imported from India. Seeing this success, we’re motivated to expand our cultivation,” said Sonam Yuden.
Local authorities are equally encouraged by the results. The Gewog Administration has pledged support for anyone interested in taking up watermelon farming.
“From the Gewog side, we are ready to support all farmers, whether youth or women. We’ve already allocated a budget to provide hybrid watermelon seeds,” said Yurung Gup Sangay Thinley.
Watermelon farming in Pema Gatshel began in 2020 in Telung under Dechhenling Gewog. While some faced challenges in sustaining the crop, farmers in Yurung have steadily progressed.
This year alone, the group produced over a ton of watermelons, all of which were sold in the local market.
The fruits fetched Nu 50 per kilogram.
Two more people currently cultivate watermelons in the district.
This success story proves that watermelon cultivation in Pema Gatshel is not only possible but also profitable.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
