In a boost to the country’s vision of becoming 100 per cent organic, an agriculture organic hub has been launched in Tsirang. The hub focuses on the production of different organic manure and finding out which is best for the lands in the district. The hub was inaugurated yesterday as part of the national day build-up programme.
The hub has been established on private farmland in Riserbu under Mendrelgang Gewog.
The centre has a vermicompost production house, which will produce organic manure using earthworms.
The organic hub will also produce manure made from cattle urine and charcoal produced from plants. In total, the hub will produce around 8 different types of organic manure.
Officials say organic manure has a greater impact on improving soil structure and increasing the soil’s ability to retain nutrients and water in the long run.
“Our main objective is to let people know how applying organic manures increase crop and vegetable production. And it is also to encourage our farmers to use natural manure. If our youth are interested to venture into organic farming, we can help them acquire skills through establishing such centres,” said Kinzang Chophel, the Assistant District Agriculture Officer.
The centre will also be testing out the different manures on its nine acres of farmland.
The hub is also expected to serve as an educational centre for researchers, farmers, and students.
“Many people visit Tsirang for research and study tours to see the progress of organic farming. But without an organic hub inclusive of all organic components we couldn’t offer them a specific research area. As a result, researchers had to return home without learning much,” said Dorji Gyeltshen.
The hub will be taken care of by the owner of the land, who will test the manure on his vegetables and fruits.
“I am hopeful the organic hub will be successful. I will keep working hard. I am making organic manure for the first time and I will see how it works,” said Phurba Moktan, on whose land the hub has been set up.
The National Organic Flagship Programme, and Green Climate Fund and Rapid Financing Facility under the United Nations Development Programme supported the project.
The agriculture officials say the success of the hub will determine the establishment of additional organic hubs in the district.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
