Banana is becoming a new source of income for farmers in Pema Gatshel. In Shumar Gewog, a family has turned a small trial into a growing business, producing the district’s only locally-made banana chips.
Tashi Jamtsho and his wife did not start making banana chips overnight. It was the result of years of hard work and careful planning.
They brought banana plants from Monggar five years ago and planted them on their land. Within a year, the plants began to bear fruit. That’s when they decided to start making banana chips.
Tashi Jamtsho says, “We cannot use any banana for making chips. There is a particular variety to make chips. I brought the plant from Thridangbi in Monggar. Initially, I had only one, but now it has multiplied.”
The first trial turned out to be a success.
So, the family expanded their plantation and began producing bananas on a larger scale last year.
Today, the bananas are harvested twice a year, and each season yields more than 500 packets of crispy chips.
“I even planned to form a youth group to produce chips together, but resources were limited. Some of my neighbours have started planting the banana after taking saplings from me.”
Tashi believes this business has the potential to uplift livelihoods if more farmers join in. With no other producers in the district, he sees an opportunity to grow the market.
“I plan to continue this work. Unlike other farming, we don’t have to work in the rain or under the scorching sun. I will keep producing chips as long as I can,” says Tashi.
As demand for banana chips grows, Tashi is already supplying to more than five shops.
From a single sapling to shelves across Pema Gatshel, Tashi’s banana chips journey shows how small ideas can grow into thriving businesses.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sangay Chezom
