Vegetable vendors and farmers in Samtse are calling for a proper vegetable shed. Currently, they sell their produce under a large, temporary tent meant for events. This setup offers little protection from rain and extreme heat, making it inadequate and unsafe.
Vegetable vendors in Samtse Town have been operating from these two large event tents since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, as the number of vendors and farmers selling their produce has increased, the temporary market space is struggling to accommodate everyone.
Those vendors who are forced to set up outside the tents face additional hardships, having to cope with the extreme heat.
“We are facing tough times selling vegetables here. Sometimes we face heavy rains and other times it’s extreme heat. The more our vegetables are exposed to rain and heat, the more easily they get damaged, leading to losses. Additionally, there is no toilet facility here,” said Tosh Bdr Ghalley, a vegetable vendor.
“Today, I managed to get inside the tent, but at times we have to sell our produce outside, which is difficult. We don’t have good vegetable markets like those in other districts. It would be better if the district administration could help us get one soon,” said Yam Bdr Ghalley, a farmer from Chengmari.
“Since we don’t have a good place to sell our vegetables, we are facing many challenges. We do have an old vegetable shed behind the town area, but not many people come to buy goods there. It would be better if a new vegetable market is constructed in a good location for everyone’s benefit,” said Bumjay Lhamo, another vegetable vendor.
One of the tents was recently damaged by heavy rainfall and strong storms. However, it has been re-erected with additional ropes for extra support and stability.
Meanwhile, the Samtse Municipal Office is planning to construct a new vegetable market in the truck parking area above the town.
They have completed the designs for a one-storey vegetable shed with better facilities and are currently seeking funding for the project. They expect to start and complete construction within the 13th Five-Year Plan.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sonam Pem
