Farmers in lower Kharphu- Kurchhilo Chiwog of Trashigang’s Lumang Gewog are now focusing more on growing Rajma or kidney beans. Over the past few years, kidney beans have become a good source of income. Farmers earn up to Nu 70,000 each year from selling the bean without any marketing challenges.
Farmers in lower Kharphu- Kurchhilo Chiwog started growing kidney beans due to the favourable weather conditions and easy marketability of the produce.
Some farmers have begun harvesting the beans while a few are weeding and checking damages caused by animals. Bean plantation works started in July.
Although they are challenged by human-wildlife issues, the good price is what is keeping the farmers interested in growing the bean. They have been cultivating kidney beans for commercial purposes for more than five years.
The Lumang Gewog Agriculture Extension Supervisor said the gewog distributed kidney bean seeds a few years ago.
A kilogram of kidney beans fetches between Nu 80 and 100.
Last year, I earned more than Nu 50,000. I am not sure how much I will earn this year. I depend on the income from selling beans to meet the household expenses for the entire year,” said Cheten Zangmo, a resident of Lumang Gewog.
As it is a good source of income, I cultivated beans on a large scale. I also grow other vegetables but on a smaller scale as we do not have many vegetable buyers here, like in the case of beans, where buyers come to our doorsteps. Last year, I earned around Nu 65,000,” said Rinzin Dema, another resident.
Farmers sell their produce from the doorsteps, with a few taking their harvest to nearby districts.
Around 100 households in Lumang Gewog cultivated kidney beans on more than 35 acres of land, producing around 18 tonnes of beans last year.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
Edited by Phub Gyem
