After a six-year hiatus, the Dagap Farm Festival has returned in Dagana showcasing a wide range of local agricultural and livestock products. The festival aims to support farmers by promoting authentic local products, and encouraging viable market opportunities. The two-day festival ended today.
From fresh agricultural produce to livestock products, the farm festival offers visitors a variety of local products.
Farmers from all 14 gewogs in the district are taking part in the festival showcasing farm produce from their respective gewogs. The festival also provides farmers an opportunity to generate income through direct sales.
Farmers expressed their gratitude to Dagana District Administration for reviving the festival. They added such platforms help improve market access by connecting farmers across the district with buyers.
Chatman Subba, a farmer from Karmaling Gewog said, “We do produce plenty of farm produce and we also work passionately. However, access to market is one of the biggest challenges we face. We are happy for the opportunity to display and sell our farm products here.”
Damber Singh Gurung from Laja Gewog said, “Owing to the health benefits, people are buying puthka honey. I am able to sell it easily.”
“The festival helps farmers learn what products to get from which gewog. This enables them to develop network among themselves,” said Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor of Tsangkha Gewog Lham Tshering.
According to the District Economic Development and Marketing Officer, the festival could not be continued after 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it will now be organised annually.
Pema Yangden, District Economic Development and Marketing Officer said, “The festival allows farmers to sell their farm produce while providing consumers access to local produce. For instance, agricultural and livestock products available in Lhamoi Dzingkha Gewog may not be available in Tsendagang Gewog. This way, the festival helps connect farmers with buyers.”
However, the festival saw a relatively low customer turnout and only a few gewogs took part in the event displaying a handful of products.
According the district administration, up to 90 per cent of the district’s population depend on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
