In Pema Gatshel, avocado has become the new cash crop for many farmers. But with almost everyone growing avocados, the price of the fruit is eventually getting affected. The price has dropped from around Nu 350 per kilogramme a few years ago to Nu 200 these days. The district administration is now exploring markets in India to help farmers fetch a better price.
The farmers of Shumar Gewog in Pema Gatshel have started selling avocados since September.
The last harvest has yet to be sold as they are waiting for the district administration to send it to Kolkata in India.
The farmers have been selling the produce at Nu 200 per kilogramme in the local market. But this time, they are expected to earn at least Nu 300 per kilogramme as it will be sold in Kolkata.
“We are happy that the district administration is going to export our produce. Now, we will not face any problems. When we sell it in the local market, we might face problems. When there is no proper market, we don’t even feel like working. Now, with such support, it would encourage us to cultivate more,” said Ugyen Chophel, a farmer.
“Avocado has been our main cash crop now. We heard that the agriculture sector is exploring ways to export to other countries and we are happy. All the farmers are showing interest in this fruit cultivation. This is because the monkeys and other wild animals destroy crops like maize in our village,” said Dechen Wangmo, another farmer.
“If they are exporting it, it will be better and we will continue to cultivate more,” said Dechen Wangdi, who is also a farmer.
According to the district administration, they have reached out to businessmen in Kolkata and will dispatch a few tons of avocados on a pilot run this year. It is expected to be sent within a week or two.
“Pema Gatshel district is located along the border. So, this year we have approached two businessmen in Kolkata and discussed the market. We have also decided to send one DCM truckload on a pilot run this year,” said Ugyen Tshering, the district agriculture officer.
He added that if the farmers keep on showing interest in growing avocados, the district administration will explore more buyers for better prices in the coming years.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Tshering Zam
