It’s a season of abundance for the chilli growers of Shompangkha Gewog in Sarpang. The Norbugang commercial vegetable farmers’ group is seeing an increased production compared to last year. The group recently dispatched 1800 kilogrammes of chilli to Bhutan Agro Industries Limited in Lingmethang, Monggar.
The farmer’s group, consisting of 13 members, is reaping the reward of their hard work and improved farming techniques.
The group cultivates chilli across 13 acres of farmland. Their fresh produce is now being supplied not only in Gelephu town but also across various districts and to schools in Sarpang.
Doma Tamang from Norbugang Vegetable Farmer Group said “The Agriculture Officer advised us to go for agriculture faming because they said that there is future in it with the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project coming up. Tourist visiting the city will seek organic food so we have been advised to produce food without using chemicals. We want to increase the production in the future.”
The Shompangkha Mangmi says the initiative not only strengthens the region’s food security but also provides meaningful employment opportunities for youth.
Moreover, as the Gelephu Mindfulness City Project continues to take shape, sustainable agriculture is set to play a central role in its development.
Ashman Rai, Shompangkha Mangmi said “They have begun farming since 2019. The land here used to remain covered in thick bushes. The group that initiated the farming could cultivate only on two acres. In the last five years, the 13-member group cultivated chilli on 13 acres through the assistance of Green Climate Fund, Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme and the district administration. With such support, the future of sustainable agriculture farming looks promising.”
The district agriculture sector provided the necessary infrastructure, including drip irrigation facilities, subsidised seedling, a reservoir at the water source and polyhouse.
With favorable climatic condition and timely support from the agriculture sector, the group expects to harvest more than 10 tons of chili this season, up from seven tons last year.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Phub Gyem
