The hot issue of chilli is not going to cool down anytime soon. The demand keeps rising against the close to no supply in the market. However, farmers are exploring means to cultivate green chillies to meet the demand during winter. A group of farmers in Jangdung village under Saling Gewog in Monggar have planted hybrid chillies for the first time.
Jangdung Gayza Duejung Tshogpa has 19 members. These days, the farmers are seen applying fertilizers.
The plantation of chillies began last month in two acres of land. And it is expected to hit the market by the end of next month.
“Since we are growing chillies for the first time, the Dzongkhag has financially supported us. So, we are working hard and hopeful in producing a huge quantity of chillies this time,” said Dawa Yoezer, a farmer.
“If the yield is good we will continue it from next year as well,” said Kezang Wangmo, another farmer.
“Earlier, we use to grow only small green chilli for self-consumption only,” said Sonam Paldon.
If the production is bountiful this time, farmers said they will plant chillies in over 25 acres of land next year.
Farmers are using plastic mulching to grow chillies. Agriculture officials also said that it has many benefits compared to the conventional method. The technique helps to prevent the growth of weeds and conserving water.
Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector in collaboration with Agriculture Research and Development Sub-Center in Lingmethang in Monggar is supporting the winter chilli program.
Currently, Monggar vegetable market is out of green chilli for almost three weeks. Like Saling, few other gewogs are also growing winter chillies which will hit the market by next month.
Sonam Tshering, Monggar
