In this lockdown, at least twenty-five urban dwellers have been able to enjoy fresh vegetables from their back-yard gardens and reduced the stress on the food system. In the last twenty days, they have also sold 520.7 kilograms of assorted vegetables in the local market, in addition to self-consumption.
“In this lockdown, I did not have to buy any vegetables from the market. Instead, I have been able to share it with my neighbors and also offer it to a few front-liners. ” Said Ugyen Tashi, an urban farmer from Samdrup Jongkhar old NHDCL colony.
Likewise, the commercial farming group (5 Members) at Dungkarcholing village in Dewathang Gewog has sold 3.190 metric tons (Nu. 145,205) of assorted vegetables in the local market in this lockdown.
“This season records our highest production and sales despite some being damaged by the recent hailstone. Thanks to the SJI and Gewog Agriculture Extension Office for their support (production inputs, training, and marketing) and motivation. We are further planning to expand the cultivation area, “said Sangay Choden, coordinator of the group.
The Bhutan Foundation has supported three commercial farms in Dewathang Gewog and 30 urban farmers in Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde since last year. The project is implemented by SJI in collaboration with the Gewog administration and District Agriculture Sector.