What used to rot in storage is now turning into profit. Farmers of Wangphu Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar are learning to turn their surplus garlic harvest into pickles, thanks to a training programme that’s helping them boost income and reduce waste.
A simple garlic bulb is opening new income opportunities for farmers. A two-day garlic pickling training has equipped farmers with skills to turn their harvest into value-added products.
Fifteen farmers learned to produce six different types of garlic-based products.
“Before, many of our garlic bulbs would decay because we could not sell them on time. But after learning how to make pickles, I feel confident that I can earn more income,” said Sangay Lhaden, Farmer, Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“If we can’t sell garlic on time, it gets spoiled. But by making pickles, we can keep them for a much longer time,” said Pema Zangmo, Farmer, Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“We normally sell a kilogramme of garlic for Nu 100 to 150. But by making pickles, one kilogramme of garlic will produce 3 to 4 bottles, and each bottle earns Nu 150. So, we will be able to earn a profit of Nu 300 to 400,” said Sonam Penjor, Farmer, Wangphu Gewog, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The Samdrup Jongkhar District Administration, with support from the Bhutan Foundation, organised the training. Samjong Cooperative will help the farmers market their produce.
Wangphu Gewog produces more than three tonnes of garlic every year, which is equivalent to about three bolero trucks.
Namgay Wangchuk and Kinley Wangchuk
Edited by Sonam Pem
