In Tsirang, bean farming is proving to be a profitable business for farmers of Mendrelgang Gewog. The legumes, loaded with protein and fibre, have become a darling to the farmers. To farmers, bean farming is less laborious, and yet, they fetch them good prices.
At Riserbu in Mendrelgang, acres of farmland are lined with long rows of bean vines spiralling bamboo poles.
The farmers mostly grow two varieties of beans locally known as Geew Bori and Dulal Bori. They grow beans before the onset of winter vegetable production.
The beans are ready to harvest. Some other farmers have already harvested the legumes.
“When the beans are scarce in the market, a kilogram fetches Nu 70 to 80. And during the peak season, we get Nu 60 per kilogram,” said Phurba Moktan, a farmer.
Man Dogh Tamang, also a farmer said, “when we sell beans ourselves in Thimphu and Gelephu, a kilogram fetches Nu 100. We sell it at Nu 50 to 60 when vegetable vendors visit our homes.”
Farmers say growing beans is easier and less laborious. Moreover, beans never lack buyers.
Phurba Moktan said, “since Tsirang is centrally located, we haven’t faced a shortage of customers for beans. Vegetable vendors from Thimphu, Gelephu and Paro come to take the harvest from our doorsteps.”
“All we have to do is pack and drop it till the road point after receiving orders. We get good prices in the beginning but prices decline during the peak season,” added Lak Maya Tamang, a farmer.
With around 390 households, Mendrelgang is one of the highest vegetable-producing gewogs in Tsirang.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
