Asparagus is the new cash crop for the people of Kharza_Leyphu chiwog under Yangnyer Gewog in Trashigang. And its farming is gaining momentum. Some years ago, people did not consider growing the vegetable.
24-year-old Ngawang Pelden claims that his family first started growing asparagus in the chiwog, which today has become a common farming practice. Besides potatoes, the crop is his main cash crop. In a year, he earns over Nu 100,000.
“Asparagus is more profitable compared to other vegetables. In a week, we take our produce to the market twice. We make around Nu 1,000 each time. This is not possible with other vegetables,” he said.
Villagers say growing asparagus does not involve much work and returns are profitable. A bundle of asparagus fetches about Nu 50 in the local market.
“Earlier, I did not see people growing asparagus. It has been about 8 to 9 years since people started growing asparagus,” Yeshi Chedup, a farmer, said.
“Asparagus cultivation was first introduced by then Lyonpo Sangay Ngedup when he was serving as the agriculture minister. A training was conducted for the farmers,” Wangchuk, a Tshogpa, said.
A profitable venture, villagers are now planning to increase asparagus production in the chiwog.
