Following the success of the past Foothills Festival in Sarpang, local farm production has picked up in the district. This is evident from the increased number of farmers with their produce at the festival’s 3rd edition.
It opened on Thursday with the theme of being the economy’s change maker.
The Agriculture and Forests minister Yeshey Penjor said such an event will encourage farmers tap their agricultural potential and contribute towards reducing import. It will go a long way in fulfilling the country’s goal of self-sufficiency.
“Bhutanese people mostly depend on imports. We have to strive working towards self-sufficiency and increase our exports,” Lyonpo said.
The festival, which initially started as a one-day programme, is now being held for three days. Sarpang Dzongda Karma Galay said the income of participating farmers has been growing every year. Last year, the 12 gewogs combined earned Nu 8 M. This time, the figure is expected to touch Nu 10 M.
He said the festival has become one of the mega-events in the district with more people taking part.
“We have been able to encourage people from other districts to come and participate. This time, we have farmers from Pema Gatshel, Gasa and Bumthang. We also have farm machinery dealers from Thimphu taking part,” said Karma Galay, the Sarpang Dzongda.
Moreover, to encourage effective and meaningful participation, beginning this year, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu and the Dzongkhag Administration jointly decided to declare public holiday during the festival.
“With the ongoing Foothill Festival, the offices under Sarpang Dzongkhag will be kept closed. It is mainly to encourage them for full participation in the festival,” the Dzongda added.
Besides the farm products, stalls have also been set up for the visitors to try local cuisines and delicacies.
Karma Wangdi
