Farming is gradually turning out to be a lucrative venture for many farmers across the country, particularly for those willing to embrace change. This narrative is true for a middle-aged man from Trashigang’s Lumang Gewog who has been earning a substantial income since he started mixed farming around six years ago.
54-year-old Chedup from Riserboo in Lumang Gewog uses a greenhouse, a relatively new farming technology that makes crops grow faster.
He raises his vegetable saplings in the greenhouse and transplants them outdoors once ready.
Chedup grows different kinds of vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radish, carrot, and pea on more than one acre of land.
To boost production, he also rears high-bred Jersey cattle.
As his settlement is conveniently located along the Trashigang–Samdrup Jongkhar highway, the market has never been an issue for Chedup.
Besides, he supplies vegetables to three schools in Wamrong Dungkhag.
Chedup said, “If we don’t have cattle, our vegetable production won’t be as good. When we rear cattle, we can use cow dung as manure, which improves the yield. Water, manure, and hard work are all very important for a good production. From vegetables alone, I earn around Nu 150,000 a year. Including the income from cattle, I make nearly Nu 250,000 annually. “
Chedup’s family cultivate vegetables on four different plots of land to ensure a continuous supply throughout the year.
“I use my own vehicle to sell excess vegetables. In the past, I even used to travel to Samdrup Jongkhar. But now, I harvest the vegetables and keep them at home. Since I’m located near the highway, travellers stop by to buy. It’s convenient being along the highway, and I also supply vegetables to three nearby schools,” added Chedup.
Chedup also plans to cultivate cardamom in the coming years to increase his earnings from farming.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
