People in Paro can buy vegetables at affordable rates with the inauguration of five fair price counters in Paro on May 30.
The Paro Dzongkhag Administration established the counters in Paro town, Paro vegetable market and Lamgong vegetable shed. These counters will sell local vegetables as well as imported vegetables with display of price tags.
The counter will maintain same price for at least one month. The retail management team from the dzongkhag will monitor the counters.
The Dzongkhag Agriculture officer, Tandin, said that there were a lot of price variations in the vegetable market and to address this the dzongkhag came up with the initiative. The dzongkhag coordinated with the vegetable task force management appointed by agriculture department and discussed with the vendors. “Five vendors have agreed to be part of this initiative and we have signed a contract agreement with them. The vendors will manage the rate themselves,” said Tandin.
Speaking to BBS, the vegetable vendors said that they would offer affordable pricing and charge lower than the normal market rates.
One of the vegetable vendors, Dhan Bahadur Nirola, said that the counters will benefit the general public as they can buy at an affordable rate. “I am also planning to store surplus vegetables and sell it during off-season,” he said.
Another vendor, Yeshi Lhamo, said that people have been suffering from price hikes in vegetables. “So we thought this initiative could help them as well. That’s why I came forward to register myself under the scheme.”
Paro residents have welcomed the initiative.
A resident, Penzom said, “It will benefit us as we can afford all required vegetables from such counters.”
Sangay Tshering, another resident, said that since all vegetable items will be available at the counters they can go there any time and buy what they need. “We will not have to bargain as well,” he added.
The counters will also assist farmers in selling their surplus produce and supply to other neighbouring districts. The dzongkhag will also be supporting the vendors in availing loans from financial institutes to procure technical facilities and other infrastructures.
