Farm Machinery Corporation Limited (FMCL) cleared over 100 acres of forest for a model citrus farming at Kana Gewog in Dagana.
The project will cultivate chili and other vegetables with orange. This, officials said, besides soil management has also advantage in income generation. It will also help farmers learn about citrus farming and bring market to their door step.
“We are planning to do mass production and will buy from them. We will help the farmers to market out their produce. For example, if Thimphu requires our produce then we will let the farmers know. But if they couldn’t supply to Thimphu we will do that for the farmers,” explained the Agriculture Supervisor from FMCL, Gomba Tshering.
More than 25,000 citrus saplings are planted for the project. Unlike the ordinary orange saplings, the saplings for the model farm is expected to bear fruit within three years.
If successful, officials say, interested youths working in the farm can take over the model farm from the FMCL.
“We will give this farm to the youths if they think they can take care of the farm. Today we have 9 youths working on the farm. They will not only work but must learn how to do farming. This orchard should be successful first to hand over to them. If it doesn’t turn out as expected, then we must look for other opportunities,” said the Farm Manager, Ugyen Tsheirng.
The model citrus farming is carried out with modern techniques and managed by qualified workers. The plantation will be complete within this month.
