The first-ever socio-economic festival known as Festivals of Foothills was held recently in Gelegphu. Its objective was to perk up local economy.
The Information and Communications Minister, DN Dhungyel, who inaugurated the festival said, the occasion is an apt platform for rural communities to promote local products and venture into commercial farming to achieve food sufficiency in the country.
“Our country largely depends on imported products and this festival’s motive is to reduce import of goods into the country and boost local products,” told the Information and Communications Minister to the public.
Sarpang Dzongkhag Administration said, Gelegphu was chosen to host the Festivals of Foothills because of favourable weather around this time of the year which attracts large crowds and adequate logistics. “There are many hoteliers and civil servants here for vegetable consumption. So this festival acts as a mode of communication for hoteliers, residents, businessmen and vegetable vendors to talk with farmers regarding supply if vegetables,” said Sarpang Dzongdag, Karma Galay.
Villagers of 12 gewogs showcased wide range of agriculture, horticulture and livestock products, and non wood products at the festival. Visitors who devotedly strolled all the stalls said the prices of products are affordable. “The price of products is reasonable. If we can organise some kind of marketing outlet for the farmers, I am sure there will never be shortage of vegetables here,” said one of the residents, Ugyen Rapten.
Various cultural and sports programmes were also put up during the festival. “Gelegphu has spacious unused land, making it perfect to host various sports and promote tourism,” added Dzongdag Karma Galay.
