More farmers of Bartsham gewog in Trashigang are turning to quinoa farming. Until recently, they were hesitant to grow the crop due to a lack of a reliable market. But things changed after the Farm Machinery Corporation Limited (FMCL) started buying back the farmers’ quinoa produce.
“Last year, we fetched Nu 105 for a kilogram of quinoa. So, more people were motivated to grow the crop,” said Sonam Gyeltshen, who has been into quinoa farming for a few years now.
With a better price and a reliable buyer, the number of quinoa-growing households in the gewog has increased from 76 to almost 100. The cultivation area also expanded from 17 to about 20 acres.
“We expect the production to double this time,” added Sonam Gyeltshen.
Many farmers like Zumzang feel that quinoa is a better and reliable cash crop alternative. “The price for potatoes keeps fluctuating, but with quinoa, the price remains stable since the government buys our entire harvest.”
“Quinoa offers better returns compared to maize, and it is in high demand,” Jambay, another farmer, shared.
The government also provided technical assistance and husking machines to the farmers to boost the crop’s production. Last season, Bartsham gewog produced 14 metric tons of quinoa.
Besides, a weather station has been set up in the gewog to support research and plan towards promoting local quinoa varieties in the global market.
According to a study by a team from the Agriculture Research and Development Centres in Monggar and Trashigang, quinoa is gradually integrating into maize-based systems predominant in the six eastern districts. This shift is creating new opportunities for farmers in the region to improve nutrition, strengthen livelihoods, and build greater climate resilience.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock introduced quinoa in Bhutan in 2015 to enhance food and nutritional security. It is identified as the country’s Special Agriculture Product as part of the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation. And stories like the one from Bartsham show that quinoa is also emerging as a promising source of income for many Bhutanese farmers.
“I am already planning to increase my quinoa cultivation next season if the price is better this time,” said Zumzang.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
