Farmers of Namthig–Yerphel Chiwog in Trashi Yangtse’s Yalang Gewog have long cultivated Sichuan pepper or Thingye mainly for self-consumption. However, over the years, pepper cultivation has become one of the community’s most important sources of income. Yalang Gewog is one of the major Sichuan pepper producing gewogs in Trashi Yangtse.
Farmers are applying manure around Sichuan pepper plants with the hope of achieving better yields.
Some are planting new saplings on their land.
A kilogramme of Sichuan pepper currently fetches around 800 ngultrum. However, last year, farmers earned 600 to 650 ngultrum per kilogramme.
Lhamo Chezom, a resident said, “We are unable to grow other crops because of wild boars and monkeys damaging them. So, we mainly sustain our livelihoods on Sichuan pepper cultivation. Now, we have also started cultivating cardamom. In a year, we earn around Nu 60,000 to 70,000, and with that income we buy essential items like oil and salt.
Another resident Tandin Norbu said, “Pepper cultivation is easier compared to other crops. We do not have do weeding and take care of itnlike other crops. However, harvesting is difficult. Some people earn hundred thousand ngultrum, while people like me earn at least around Nu 20,000 to 30,000.”
After harvesting and drying the Sichuan pepper, farmers either sell their produce through traders or travel to Phuentshogling.
In 2024, the chiwog produced around 1,800 kilogrammes of Sichuan pepper, and the production increased to 2,000 kilogrammes last year.
With production increasing each year, pepper cultivation is gradually becoming a reliable cash income source for the community.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
