The increasing commuters along the Tsirang-Wangdue Phodrang highway is creating a steady customer base for roadside vegetable vendors. A group of farmers selling agricultural and livestock produce at the Sunkosh-tri-junction in Tsirang say having a proper vegetable market shed would make doing business convenient for them. Currently, they sell their farm produce in open spaces.
At the busy tri-junction, farmers gather with fresh vegetables and local produce, turning the roadside into a lively marketplace. Its position along the route connecting Wangdue Phodrang, Tsirang and Dagana makes it convenient for both sellers and buyers.
Over 10 farmers from Tsirang and Dagana sell farm produce daily at the tri-junction.
However, the current practice poses safety risks for both farmers and commuters, with vendors rushing toward every passing vehicle to sell their produce.
Farmers say a proper market shed would improve the situation which will allow customers to stop and visit the stalls.
Farmers say the lack of such a facility is also making it difficult for them to continue business comfortably. During the rainy season, they struggle to protect their produce, while the hot summer sun makes it challenging to stay at the roadside for long hours.
They also add that the site has enough space to construct a market shed that could accommodate all vendors.
Jigme Wangmo, a vegetable vendor from Tsangkha Gewog, Dagana said, “Whether rain or shine, we have to sell our farm produce from in an open space. We would be grateful if the authorities in Dagana and Tsirang could construct us a proper vegetable shed. It will benefit all of us.”
Muku, a vegetable vendor from Tsirang said, “It is difficult to carry unsold produce back home, especially with a small baby. If we have a proper vegetable shed, we can store our goods here itself when we go home in the evening.”
Likewise, Tandin Wangmo from Tsangkha Gewog said, “We are also facing problems due to lack of a toilet facility. Waste management is another issue here. As farmers, we depend on selling farm produce. But it is difficult without a proper market facility.”
Meanwhile, local leaders of Tsangkha and Tsholingkhar gewogs in Dagana and Tsirang say gewog administrations had previously planned and allocated budgets to construct market sheds. However, they say the plan was dropped following a government directive restricting constructions along the highway.
Until a solution is found, farmers will have to continue selling their farm produces from the existing open space.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
