Producing agricultural products have never been an issue for farmers. However, marketing has been challenging due to poor farm road condition. This year, people of Lingmukha chiwog in Punakha expects to produce more agricultural products as they will soon have a better farm road. The 3.5 km farm road will be resurfaced and maintained with Granular Sub-Base (GSB) within two months.
With the road improvement works, more than 30 households of Lingmukha chiwog will be benefitted.
This initiative has already encouraged farmers to work hard. The chiwog has the potential to cultivate almost all kind of crops and vegetables. But, with the poor road condition, they could not focus more on agriculture works until now.
“I have increased the plantation of potato by almost double compared to last year. I have planted potatoes on around one acre of land this time. Similarly, I am also thinking of planting more chilli around 70-80 decimals of land,” said Kencho Wangdi, from Lingmukha chiwog.
“Due to the poor road condition, we were facing difficulty while visiting the hospital. So, we would be extremely happy if this road condition is improved, as we will not have to face such a problem,” said Kinley Zam.
“We can also transport our vegetable easily to the market,” said Tshering Penjor who is also from Lingmukha chiwog.
Until now, the farm road has been marshy in monsoon creating problems for the residents. The project is funded by the Government of India costing Nu 11.1 M.
“We are expecting a better road to transport products. Likewise, it is also the main objective of the government to solve the road problem completely and provide a smooth road to the public,” said the Gup of Lingmukha Gewog, Sonam Tobgay.
Likewise, the Gup also says the farm road maintenance works for other chiwog will be prioritised as per the requirement.
The government has prioritised the laying of GSB. It is being carried out mainly to aid farmers to produce more and make marketing easier.
ChangaDorji, Wangdue Phodrang
