𝐍𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐎𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

…𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

Pink onion cultivation is emerging as a promising high value vegetable enterprise in Nanong Gewog under Pemagatshel Dzongkhag, with farmers expecting a total production of around 27 metric tons this season following targeted institutional support. The initiative has provided quality pink onion seeds to 20 active vegetable group farmers, covering three acres of cultivated land and highlighting the crop’s potential to boost household income under Bhutan’s agro ecological conditions.

Pink onion has demonstrated a yield capacity of up to nine metric tons per acre when grown using proper agronomic practices, making it an increasingly attractive option for vegetable farmers. Recognising this potential, the Centre supported the distribution of seeds to farmers in Nanong Gewog to promote larger scale production, strengthen the local vegetable supply, and reduce the country’s dependence on imported onions.

Farmers have begun transplanting healthy seedlings into their fields following a successful nursery stage that recorded good germination and strong seedling performance. With favourable field conditions and timely farm operations underway, officials and farmers remain optimistic about a productive season that could translate into improved income opportunities and greater livelihood resilience for the farming community.

Pema Yangdon, Senior Horticulture Officer, said the initiative focused on introducing an improved onion variety suited to local conditions and farmer needs.

“We have released a pink onion variety that is short in duration. This variety takes around six months to harvest, whereas the older onion varieties usually take about nine months. It is a hybrid variety with good curing quality and much less bolting, which makes it more suitable and reliable for farmers. Among many vegetables, onion is an important commodity, and through this initiative, our main objective is to reduce the country’s dependence on imported onions,” she said.

Pema Yangdon explained that the introduction of the improved variety is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic vegetable production. She said that along with seed distribution, farmers were provided with technical support and guidance on proper agronomic practices to ensure better yields and quality produce. According to her, the support focused on nursery management, transplanting, and field care, helping farmers adapt to the new variety and improve overall production efficiency.

“To support the farmers, we have not only provided quality seeds but also continuous technical assistance throughout the cultivation process. Our aim is to help farmers achieve better productivity and quality so that locally produced onions can meet market demand. If farmers are able to produce good yields, it will contribute significantly to reducing imports while also improving income opportunities at the household level,” she added.

Tashi Tobgay, Tshogpa of Nanong Gewog, said seed distribution was targeted at households actively involved in vegetable cultivation, although some recipients were unable to cultivate the crop during the season.

“The pink onion seeds were distributed to the villagers, but some households have still not managed to cultivate them. Even a storage house was provided to ensure that the harvest could be preserved properly. Even though the market is limited, the storage will allow farmers to keep the onions safe until they find buyers. This season, we targeted 15 to 20 households for seed distribution, focusing on those who were actively involved in vegetable cultivation. I hope that with proper care and attention, these families will be able to grow a good crop that can improve their income and food security,” he said.

Despite initial challenges, officials said most of the seedlings transplanted into the fields have grown well, with minimal damage observed. Training provided to farmers has played a critical role, particularly for those new to pink onion cultivation. The training helped farmers understand proper field preparation, transplanting techniques, and crop management practices. While market access remains limited, the successful establishment of the crop and the support measures in place have given the community confidence in the initiative.

Tashi Tobgay emphasised the importance of capacity building at the community level.

“Most people here are uneducated, so the training was extremely important. Without it, managing the crop would have been very difficult. We guided the farmers through every step, from nursery care to transplanting, and made sure they understood how to maintain their plants. I believe that if the villagers follow these practices, this season will bring not only good yields but also increased income for their households. We hope that this initiative will motivate more farmers in the gewog to adopt pink onion cultivation and gradually strengthen the local vegetable market,” he added.

Farmers in Nanong Gewog have expressed optimism about the crop’s income potential. Pema Gyeltshen, a villager from Nanong, said pink onion offers better returns compared to other vegetables commonly grown in the area.
“The pink onion seeds are a very good opportunity for us to increase our income, and when we compare it with other vegetables we usually grow, we expect the returns to be much higher. Many farmers here are encouraged because pink onion has a good market value, and if the production is successful, it can help us move towards more commercial farming rather than relying only on small scale vegetable sales,” he said.

Pema Gyeltshen also highlighted irrigation as a major challenge for successful onion cultivation.

“Onion needs a lot of water, especially at the growing stage, and without proper irrigation it is difficult to get good results. We need a new sprinkler machine to manage water efficiently. If the crop grows well, it will benefit not only our present income but also create a sustainable livelihood for our children and our community, and in the future, Nanong could be known as a place for pink onion production,” he added.

Women farmers have raised concerns related to labour and market access. Sonam Cheki, a villager from Nanong who received the seeds, said that while planting the crop is manageable, the physical labour involved poses difficulties for women.

“Planting the pink onion seeds is actually quite easy, but for women farmers, the physical work involved, such as ploughing, is very challenging. Most of the work still has to be done manually, and without proper farm machinery it becomes difficult for women to manage the fields, especially during peak farming seasons,” she said.

Sonam Cheki further pointed out that while production focused initiatives are creating opportunities, women farmers continue to face disproportionate challenges due to labour intensive farming practices and limited access to mechanisation. She also stressed the importance of reliable market linkages.

“Marketing is also a big challenge for us because there is no proper market or buyers to take our onion. If there is an assured market, we could sell in bulk and earn better income. Even having a power tiller for ploughing would make a huge difference for women farmers and encourage us to continue farming,” she added.