A new agro-tourism sales outlet has opened at Lungsigang in Tsirang, providing local farmers with better access to markets while offering travellers a new place to stop and enjoy local produce along the highway.Known as the gateway to Tsirang, Lungsigang now has a two-storey sales outlet built to promote local farm produce. The outlet will sell organic vegetables, fruits and locally made products, including fruit juices.
It also has two cold storage facilities to help farmers preserve their produce, especially during summer.
Finding markets for farm produce has long been a challenge for local farmers. The new outlet is expected to provide a direct market for farmers to sell their produce to travellers and other customers. Initially, it will benefit an eight-member farmers’ group.
Ugyen Dema, a farmer from Gomsum Chiwog, Tsholingkhar Gewog, Tsirang, said farmers previously struggled to find markets for their produce and had to transport it to Dagana.
“Earlier, without a proper sales outlet, we struggled to find a market for our farm produce. We had to hire taxis and carry our produce on our backs all the way to Dagana. The new sales outlet will benefit us. We can also serve the community by selling their farm produce.”
For the women farmers, the outlet also offers an opportunity to earn additional income.
Karma Yangzom, a farmer from Gomsum Chiwog, Tsholingkhar Gewog, Tsirang, said the outlet would help the group members become financially independent and support their children’s education.
“All the members of the farmers’ group are women and this sales outlet will help us become financially independent. It will also boost our confidence and empower us. Most of the members have children, and the income we earn from selling farm produce will help them meet their school expenses.”
The outlet will mainly sell seasonal produce grown in Gomsum Chiwog and other parts of Tsholingkhar Gewog.
Kezang Lham, Gomsum Tshogpa, Tsholingkhar Gewog, Tsirang, said the vegetables and fruits sold at the outlet are grown using organic manure.
“The vegetables and fruits sold at the outlet are grown using organic manure and won’t have any health hazard. We will sell seasonal vegetables and fruits grown only in Gomsum Chiwog and other parts of Tsholingkhar Gewog.”
The development also includes roadside amenities around Lungsigang. A viewpoint overlooking the Sunkosh River and parts of Dagana has been developed, along with a skywalk, canopies and resting areas.
The facilities are intended to give travellers a place to pause and enjoy the surroundings. They could also help ease congestion at Rigsum Pemai Dumra in Damphu during busy occasions such as Losar.
Jigme Wangmo, a visitor from Dagana, said the newly developed facilities had transformed the area into a place for visitors.
“I came here to experience the newly developed facilities. This place used to be undeveloped in the past. But it has now been converted into a beautiful space for visitors.”
The development is also expected to benefit nearby businesses by attracting more visitors to the area.
Karma Choki, a resident of Gomsum Chiwog, Tsholingkhar Gewog, Tsirang, who runs a small business in the area, said the new outlet and roadside amenities could bring more customers.
“I run a small business here. I believe the new vegetable sales outlet and other roadside amenities will attract more visitors to the area. This will benefit business owners like me.”
With agriculture and tourism coming together, Lungsigang is expected to offer farmers a new market for their produce and travellers a place to stop and experience Tsirang.
Pema Tshewang
Edited by Passang
