𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

…𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎 𝒓𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒂𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔

By Kezang Choden

The Potato Trade Facilitation Center in Jangchey, located in Gangtey Gewog under Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, has brought significant improvement to the lives of local potato farmers. Since its establishment, the center has boosted farmers’ incomes by providing direct access to markets and reducing the logistical challenges that once hindered the transportation of potatoes. Despite these benefits, the poor condition of the Jangchey farm road threatens to reverse much of this progress.

The 2.5-kilometer farm road connecting the facilitation center to the main gewog road has deteriorated considerably, especially during the summer months. Heavy trucks transporting large volumes of potatoes during the harvest season have worsened the road’s condition, making it almost impossible to use at times. Muddy and uneven sections present risks not only to transport vehicles but also to farmers and residents who use the road regularly.

Local farmers and residents have voiced their concerns about the road’s state and are urging the authorities to undertake immediate maintenance and upgrading work. They warn that without timely repairs, the road could become completely unusable, disrupting the transport of potatoes and affecting the entire farming value chain in the area.

The importance of the Jangchey farm road extends beyond Gangtey Gewog. Farmers from neighboring gewogs across Wangdue Phodrang also rely on this route to transport their produce to the center. Improving the road infrastructure would therefore benefit a wider farming community across the dzongkhag.

While the Potato Trade Facilitation Center stands as a symbol of progress in rural agricultural marketing, stakeholders emphasize that such achievements must be supported by reliable infrastructure. A well-maintained road would not only ensure the sustainability of the center but also provide safer and more efficient transportation for farmers and buyers.

Residents and farmers continue to appeal to the relevant authorities to prioritize the repair and upgrading of the Jangchey farm road before the upcoming harvest season. Without this, they fear economic losses and increased difficulties during the crucial potato season.

Kinley Gyeltshen, the Gup of Gangtey Gewog, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of the Jangchey farm road. He called for urgent maintenance work to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters, especially the farmers who depend on the route to transport their goods and access essential services.

“The road is in poor condition and requires immediate repair,” said Gup Kinley. “It is not only important for the people of Gangtey Gewog but also for residents of nearby gewogs, including Phobjikha, Athang, and Bjena.”
He added that the Jangchey farm road is a vital lifeline for many rural communities. “Improving this road will directly benefit more than 800 households across these four gewogs,” he said.

Recognizing the road’s importance to local livelihoods, the Gangtey Gewog Administration has proposed a maintenance project with an estimated budget of Nu. 0.50 million. This proposal is included in their development plan, hoping to secure financial support for the necessary repairs.

“The road plays a significant role in supporting agricultural activities and improving access to the facilitation center,” the Gup explained. “Neglecting it could isolate communities further and affect their economic opportunities.”
Local residents have expressed growing concern, especially during the monsoon season when the road becomes even more difficult to use. The muddy and narrow path makes travel dangerous and slow. The gewog administration is hopeful that concerned agencies will prioritize the maintenance project to improve connectivity and enhance the quality of life for hundreds of rural households.

Tshering Dorji, Regional Director of the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL) in Phuentsholing, has also emphasized the need for urgent maintenance of the Jangchey farm road. He highlighted its critical role in transporting potatoes during the peak harvest season.

“FCBL transports between 5,000 and 6,000 metric tons of potatoes each season from the Gangtey facilitation center,” said Tshering Dorji. “The poor condition of the farm road makes this task increasingly difficult, especially during the monsoon when the road is nearly impassable.”

He explained that the Food Corporation has submitted requests to both the gewog administration and the dzongkhag to ensure timely maintenance. “This road is vital not only for the farmers but also for our operations. Without a proper road, transporting potatoes on time becomes a major challenge,” he added.

Even the trucks hired by FCBL have struggled to pass through the road, causing delays and hardships for everyone involved. “What is the use of having a facilitation center if there is no proper road to take our goods to the market?” Tshering Dorji asked.

The Jangchey farm road serves not only FCBL trucks but also local residents for daily transportation. Its deterioration has impacted livelihoods and raised concerns among potato growers and traders alike.

Gangtey is one of the major potato-producing areas in Wangdue Phodrang, and timely transportation is essential to maintain quality and market value. Delays caused by poor road conditions could lower prices and reduce the marketability of the produce.

With the potato season approaching, farmers and stakeholders hope that the relevant authorities will prioritize repairs to ensure smooth transportation and protect the incomes of those relying on timely delivery to the facilitation center.
Residents of Gangtey Gewog are increasingly worried about the condition of the Jangchey farm road. The road becomes extremely muddy and hard to navigate during the rainy season, raising fears that transporting produce to collection centers will become nearly impossible.

The farm road is narrow and cannot accommodate two vehicles side by side. During rain, it often becomes slippery and impassable, creating major obstacles for farmers during one of the most important periods for the local economy.
Thinley, a resident of Gangtey Gewog, shared his concerns: “The road becomes so muddy that vehicles often get stuck. Like me, everyone is worried about how we will take our potatoes to the collection center. The road is narrow and not in a condition to support the volume of traffic during the harvest time.”

He added that many farmers hope the road will be repaired before the season begins. For many households, potato farming is the main source of income, and any transportation difficulties could result in significant financial losses.
“We are all waiting with hope. If the road is not fixed in time, it will be a tough season for all of us,” Thinley said.

Residents continue to urge the relevant authorities to act promptly and carry out the necessary maintenance work on the Jangchey farm road to secure their livelihoods and support the local economy.