In Chhukha, Maedtekha Gewog is gearing up for large-scale mustard cultivation to achieve cooking oil self-sufficiency. The gewog plans to produce local mustard to reduce dependence on imported cooking oils. Both the gewog administration and the community embraced the initiative which promises not just self-sufficiency but offers hopes to strengthen the local economy as well.
Given the favourable climatic conditions to grow mustard, the gewog administration and people have committed to produce enough mustard oil for self-consumption.
A formal agreement was also signed between the two.
Passang Tshering, Maedtekha Gup said that “oils are imported in huge quantities in the country. We have a way to reduce oil import as we can grow mustard. Doing so will not only generate income for our people but also reduce our dependency on imported oils. It is important to come up with such initiatives”
Chey Chey, a resident said that “we have agreed to grow mustard in huge quantity so that we can produce enough mustard oil for consumption in our gewog. This way we can reduce import.”
Rinzin Dorji, another resident said “We have agreed to work and prioritize producing mustard oil. This will help boost the income of our people and also reduce our dependency on imported cooking oils.”
The gewog is currently discussing with the district administration to acquire the machineries needed for mustard oil production.
Maedtekha Gup added that “we are consulting with the district to purchase the necessary machinery. The district has agreed to help us with it. We are also working on gathering quality seeds.”
The gup said the initiative is in line with the national goal of ensuring food security. Maedtekha Gewog is known for taking exemplary initiatives, including its ambitious goal of achieving 100 per cent biogas use to reduce dependence on LPG cylinders.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Phub Gyem
