The commercial farmers of Darjaythang village in Shompangkha Gewog in Sarpang hope to reap benefits from the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City without having to worry about marketing their farm produce. They cultivate winter crops such as chilli, beans, tomatoes, eggplants, cauliflower, and more. Gelephu Mindfulness City will cover approximately 250,000 acres of land.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City envisioned as a model city with global standard infrastructure is poised to become a hub for various economic activities.
The commercial farmers in Darjaythang village anticipate absorbing their farm produce through the upcoming Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Currently, these commercial farmers are grappling with challenges in marketing their farm produce due to the absence of customers.
“Last year, the majority of my chilli crop rotted, and it was impossible to dry them during the summer due to rainfall. In our hot region, drying is not feasible, leading to the development of fungus,” said Nima Dolma Tamang from Darjaythang.
“Agriculture officials advised us to continue with agriculture farming, despite the absence of a market for our produce. When we engage in chilli farming, we incur expenses ranging from Nu 100 to 150 but end up selling the produce for only Nu 60 to 70,” said San Bdr. Subba who is also from Darjaythang.
Commercial farmers say that the lack of a market for their agricultural produce and a shortage of labour are the primary obstacles in the commercial farming sector.
They are urging the relevant authorities to permit the hiring of Indian labourers to enhance agricultural output.
Additionally, they plan to expand their farming fields to more than an acre of land in preparation for the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
Currently, most commercial farmers are engaged in farming activities on 20 to 30 decimal land.
“We are facing a labour shortage, and the daily wage demanded by laborers is in the range of Nu 600 to 700, inclusive of lunch and evening drinks. In our farmers’ group in Samtenling, I have approached relevant officials, requesting their assistance in obtaining permission for commercial farmers to import Indian laborers,” said Nima Dolma Tamang.
“If we are allowed to hire Indian laborers, we could engage in farming at a lower cost. Currently, laborers here demand a high daily wage of Nu. 500, and in addition, we have to provide evening drinks,” said Chandra Maya Phuyel.
There are over 15 commercial farmers in Darjaythang village.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Sherub Dorji
