Amidst the growing demand for vegetables triggered by the closure of borders due to the pandemic, the people of Tsakaling Gewog in Monggar are into commercial vegetable farming. This has also revived some 10 acres of land which remained fallow for over two decades due to wildlife menace and lack of irrigation water.
Around 15 households of Tormazhong and Drengling have come together to develop the land at Litsishong near Horong village. The area, which also has wetlands remained idle for over two decades.
‘‘The farmlands are located far away from the village. We abandoned it due to nuisance from wild animals,’’ said Pema La, a farmer from Tormazhong.
They are growing mostly chili, including the hybrid, owing to a good return. So far, 50 percent of the chili transplantation work has been complete. According to farmers, such an initiative will also help them produce sufficient chili and other vegetables.
‘‘The government has provided us with irrigation water and electric fencing. This has encouraged us to work more,’’ said Dechen Yuden, one of the farmers.
The villagers according to Pema La are growing chili more, as the government imposed a ban on the import of green chili. He said this will also help them make self-sufficient in terms of chili. Farmers are also of the view that wild animals will not damage chili much, like other crops.
The vegetables, which also include beans will be ready for harvest in the next few months. Due to favorable weather conditions, Tsakaling and Chhaling Gewogs supply green chili in the local market, first.
A kilogram of green chili will fetch the farmers Nu.300 to Nu.400. On average, each household makes around Nu. 100,000 by selling vegetables and fruits every year.
The dzongkhag agriculture sector provided the farmers with hybrid seeds and technical support.
Sonam Tshering
