Vegetable vendors of Patshaling Gewog’s Thakorling Chiwog in Tsirang now have a proper market facility to sell their produce comfortably along the Tsirang-Sarpang highway. The gewog administration built the new structure at Kuchi with financial support from the Tsirang District Administration. Farmers in the chiwog depend heavily on vegetable cultivation and livestock for their livelihoods.
Years after operating from temporary makeshift stalls, vegetable vendors now have a comfortable space to do business. The concrete vegetable market structure is built integrating traditional Bhutanese architectural design.
It can accommodate up to eight vendors from Thakhorling Chiwog, which was declared an organic village in 2021. The structure is disability-friendly and has a restroom with an adequate water supply.
For local vendors like Passang Dolma Waiba, who has been selling farm produce from the same spot for the past fifteen years, the new market has brought greater comfort while continuing her old business.
“Earlier, we didn’t have proper toilet facilities, which were inconvenient for both vendors and travellers. Many vehicles would pass by without stopping because there was no toilet. Passersby suggested that having a toilet facility would improve our business. There are around fifteen households in our community, and 12 of us regularly sell vegetables here,” said Passang Dolma Waiba, a vegetable vendor, Thakorling Chiwog, Patshaling Gewog, Tsirang.
Like Passang, many farmers in the area have relied on this roadside business to generate income for their livelihoods. Vendors say their businesses have improved significantly in recent times due to the increasing traffic along the highway as the Gelephu Mindfulness City takes shape.
“Before this market structure was constructed, we sold our vegetables from temporary stalls. During the summer, heavy rain and strong wind damaged our produce, and vegetables rotted because of roof leaks. By selling vegetables, I have been able to support my family and pay for my education. As a child, I used to help my parents sell vegetables here during school vacations,” said Nima Dolma Tamang, another vegetable vendor, Thakorling Chiwog, Patshaling Gewog, Tsirang.
“If farmers could bring their quality vegetables and livestock produce here, there is potential to generate huge income as the market is located along the highway. This will also ensure a fresh supply of vegetables and livestock produce to GMC. We hope this improved market will encourage more farmers to expand organic farming and agricultural production,” said Chabi Kumar Rai, Patshaling Gup, Tsirang.
The gewog agriculture extension office, in collaboration with farmers, has developed a standard operating procedure and a bylaw to ensure quality agriculture and livestock products at the market. The guidelines will cover quality control and fair pricing.
“Until now, in the absence of a proper vegetable market shed, we couldn’t implement the standard operating procedure and bylaw. With the new facility in place, we can now introduce proper grading, sorting, and quality control of vegetables. However, prices may still vary depending on the season,” said Kelzang Dorji, Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor, Patshaling Gewog, Tsirang.
The improved vegetable market facility not only ensures greater comfort and convenience for local vendors, but is also expected to provide a cleaner and more welcoming stopover for increasing travellers.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Phub Gyem
