𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐚 𝐕𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

…𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒚𝒈𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒆

By Kinzang Lhamo

In response to ongoing concerns about poor market infrastructure affecting vendors and buyers, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives (DAMC), working with Kaja Thromde, has started significant development work at the wholesale vegetable market in Babesa, Thimphu. The project aims to improve conditions for hundreds of farmers and traders who transport fresh, organic vegetables from remote villages to meet the capital’s demand.

Currently, wholesalers are operating from a temporary site near the BoD workshop in Olakha after being moved from their original leased location due to development work that began in early May. Namgay Wangdi, Senior Economic Development and Marketing Officer at DAMC, explained that the land was formally leased by Thromde to DAMC on April 7, 2025, under a three-year agreement.

“While vendors have been temporarily relocated, we are completing essential tasks such as blacktopping the ground, building a roadside wall, and constructing toilets,” said Namgay. “Most major components are finished; only minor works like CCTV installation, riverbank fencing, and additional roadside walls remain. We are optimistic about relocating vendors back to the original site by the end of this month.”

This upgrade offers a much-needed improvement for vendors, many of whom face daily challenges operating from unpaved, unsheltered spaces. Despite bustling activity during early market hours, conditions quickly worsen as intense afternoon sun and the lack of proper shade or storage facilities cause produce to spoil, resulting in financial losses.
“When it rains, the market becomes muddy, and it is very hard to transport our vegetables,” said Thinley Wangmo, a vegetable vendor from Wanakha under Naja Gewog in Paro. “We travel a long way from our village just to sell here, but these conditions make it difficult.” For vendors like her, who depend entirely on such markets for income, weather conditions have a direct effect on their earnings.

Another vendor, Nima from Naja Gewog, emphasized the importance of having a permanent, clean space for selling vegetables. “For farmers committed to organic produce, a proper market matters a lot. Right now, the area feels temporary, and we hope Thromde will provide suitable facilities soon,” he said.

The absence of shelter and sanitation affects not only produce quality but also the motivation of farmers and youth involved in agriculture. “It is discouraging to bring vegetables from Paro and sit under the sun, dealing with dust and heat. If selling continues like this, it is hard to stay encouraged,” Nima added. “With growing concerns about hygiene, clean markets should be a basic priority.”

Yangchen Lhamo, a vendor from Jiminang in Thimphu, echoed these concerns. “When it rains, the place gets muddy and there are hardly any buyers. On sunny days, vegetables perish quickly. We bear high transport costs, and without storage or shelter, it becomes very hard,” she said. Despite these setbacks, vendors come daily, driven by necessity and hope for better conditions.

The challenges are also felt by regular buyers. Sonam, who purchases vegetables in bulk for her shop, said the poor market conditions affect supply. “During rains, it is muddy and difficult to move around. On sunny days, even with umbrellas and sheds, the freshness of vegetables suffers,” she said. She worries that if these problems continue, farmers might be discouraged from selling altogether.

“Honestly, the vendors suffer more than we do. They work hard to sell produce under difficult conditions. I hope authorities take this seriously. It affects everyone, including the quality of vegetables that reach our homes,” Sonam added.

Despite the temporary difficulties, the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives has shown commitment to finding long-term solutions. In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the department is in regular dialogue with Thromde to secure a permanent wholesale area for uninterrupted business.

“Our mandate is to ensure smooth marketing of agricultural produce and strengthen links between farmers and wholesalers,” said Namgay Wangdi. “We have formally requested Thromde for a permanent space where farmers can sell their produce without disruption.”

The ongoing improvements are expected to ease many current problems. Paving will eliminate muddy conditions during rain, while new toilets and shaded areas will address hygiene and comfort concerns. CCTV cameras and fencing will enhance safety and cleanliness, improving experiences for vendors and customers.
These upgrades meet a vital infrastructural need and affirm government support for organic farmers and small producers, who form the backbone of Bhutan’s agricultural economy. As relocation to the improved market nears, vendors are cautiously hopeful that their concerns have been addressed.

For now, farmers endure temporary inconvenience, trusting that the investments will create a more sustainable and dignified selling environment. With the end of the month approaching, many await the shift back with optimism that the new facilities will reflect their hard work and ensure a healthier, more efficient local food supply.

With authorities and stakeholders working together, the new Babesa wholesale market could become a model for coordinated action to improve rural livelihoods, urban food access, and resilience in Bhutan’s agricultural marketing system.