To boost agriculture production in the region, farmers of Shompangkha Gewog in Sarpang were provided mini power tillers. The machines which can be used by both men and women were given at a subsidised rate. The farmers expect the tillers to solve the worker shortage.
Farmers of Shompangkha Gewog are mostly into commercial farming. They focus on producing vegetables. Lately, due to a shortage of labourers, the cost of farming increased resulting in low production.
Manila, a farmer who received a tiller said, “We can work and increase our production. When our production increases, we are encouraged to work more.”
“We used our ox to plough the fields. I think the machine would be faster and more reliable compared to our oxen. The tiller can plough a large area within a short period,” said another farmer, Rinzin Norbu.
The tillers which cost almost Nu 100,000 were offered at about half the price. Six farm groups and four individuals who are into commercial farming received the tillers.
Shompangkha Gup, Suk Dorji Yonzen said, “Since there were lots of farm groups applying for tillers, we decided to give the tillers through a ticketing system. And those individuals who are interested were awarded through a lottery system.”
The Food Security and Agriculture Production Project under the Department of Agriculture had awarded the mini power tillers. The project is financed by the Global Agriculture & Food Security Programme.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sangay Chezom
