Farmers of Charingma-Rangthangling Chiwog in Tsirang’s Rangthangling Gewog have been earning a good income from bean cultivation every year. Unlike other vegetables, beans have a reliable market and fetch better prices. However, due to the damage caused by the recent windstorm triggered by heavy rainfall, farmers are expecting a drop in income this year.
Lush and green, every household grows beans ranging from a few decimals to about an acre. Farmers grow three varieties, selling the legumes to vegetable vendors while keeping some for self-consumption.
Farmers say that beans grown at this time of the year fetch better prices as production in other districts declines due to cooler weather.
Chandra Bdr. Tamang grows beans on both his own and his brother’s land. Last year, he earned around Nu 20,000 during the Spring and Autumn sales but expects a lower income this time due to recent heavy rainfall.
“We do not face any marketing issue for beans since vegetable vendors take them to Thimphu and to the vegetable market in Tsirang. The recent wind has badly damaged the beans this year. I am expecting only around Nu 15,000 this time.”
Other farmers in the chiwog also rely heavily on beans for income. They say that beans are versatile and can be used in preparing a variety of meals.
“We have been growing beans because they can be consumed as fresh vegetables also used as dal later. We don’t buy dal from shops because we believe consuming beans is good for health,” said Padam Lal Nepal, Farmer, Charingma Chiwog, Rangthangling Gewog, Tsirang.
“We earn a good income from selling beans when rainfall is moderate, as it supports their growth and fruiting. However, the production declines when there is less rainfall. We haven’t started harvesting beans this season yet,” said Mon Jyoti Tamang, Farmer, Charingma Chiwog, Rangthangling Gewog, Tsirang.
“Initially, a kilogram of beans fetches Nu 100 to 150. But prices gradually drop when production increases. The lowest price we get is Nu 50 per kilogram,” said Kali Bdr. Tamang, Farmer, Charingma Chiwog, Rangthangling Gewog, Tsirang.
Charingma-Rangthangling Chiwog is the highest producer of beans in Rangthangling Gewog.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sonam Pem
