The villagers of Sherzhong Gewog had set aside 50 decimals of land each to grow Lychee. They were promised Lychee seedlings by the Dzongkhag Agriculture office. The promise was kept and the seedlings delivered. But instead of healthy vibrant green, wilted and slightly brownish saplings were distributed to them.
“The seedlings were dried up when it was brought to us. Even though the agriculture ministry is providing them for free, it won’t be of much benefit to us when the seedlings are of no use,” said Rabdey, a farmer from Serzhong.
Another farmer, Singye Dema said she a hired a labourer. That cost her Nu.200 per day. She also said she paid Nu.30 for digging and yet another Nu.20 to put manure. “I was all set for Lychee plantation but when the seedlings arrived, it was all dried up and had just the roots.”
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The Agriculture Extension Officer of the gewog, Bhim Kumari Gurung, says the heat may have damaged the saplings.
And, even though the farmers were distributed free seedlings, they will have to pay Nu. 46 for each plant that dies.
The agriculture officer said the minimal fee was to encourage farmers to work hard and take care of the seedlings.
