𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐤𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐡𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠

…𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑪𝒉𝒖𝒌𝒉𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔

By Kezang Choden

In an effort to enhance rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agriculture, seven households in Pakchenkha village under Dhap Chiwog, Geling Gewog in Chukha Dzongkhag have received 10,000 asparagus crowns. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Chukha Dzongkhag Administration, the National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), and the Geling Gewog Administration.

Pakchenkha, a certified organic village, is known for its commitment to sustainable farming. The distribution of asparagus crowns is expected to improve agricultural productivity and provide new income sources for local farmers. The project aligns with Bhutan’s national objective of promoting organic farming.

By supporting the cultivation of high-value organic crops, the initiative aims to improve food security and economic conditions in rural areas. With technical assistance from the NCOA and the gewog extension office, the asparagus plantation is expected to adapt well to the village’s soil and climate. Asparagus is considered a high-demand crop, both locally and internationally, due to its nutritional value and market potential.

Encouraging crop diversification and organic vegetable production is expected to reduce reliance on imported produce while increasing household incomes. Officials hope this initiative will serve as an example for other villages aspiring to transition to organic farming and environmentally sustainable practices.

According to Pema Lhaden, Agriculture Extension Officer of Geling Gewog, “Twelve households were interested and registered for asparagus cultivation. At present, only seven households have received asparagus crowns and started planting. However, the remaining five households will also begin cultivation soon.”

She added that the long-term goal is to promote the production of organic asparagus and strengthen market access. “The objective is not just to grow asparagus, but to promote organic practices and create sustainable livelihoods for our farmers. We are committed to supporting the households with the required technical guidance and motivation to ensure they continue working with dedication and maintain their inspiration,” she said.

To support this, an organic produce sales outlet will soon open at Kaja Throm in Thimphu, offering farmers a platform to market their crops. The growing demand for organic vegetables in urban centers like Thimphu is expected to further benefit the initiative.

The gewog agriculture office plans to continue providing inputs, monitoring support, and capacity-building programs to ensure the plantation’s success. “The introduction of asparagus farming is part of the broader initiative to diversify crop production in the region and to strengthen food self-sufficiency. If successful, it could serve as a model for other gewogs to adopt similar high-value, organic crop cultivation,” Pema Lhaden said.

Among the early beneficiaries is Pema Wangdi from Pakchenkha village. He had previously attempted asparagus cultivation without success due to limited technical knowledge. With support from the agriculture extension office, he received training on soil preparation, plant spacing, and post-planting care. Now, he is hopeful that the new techniques will lead to better results.

He received 1,500 asparagus crowns and is currently planting them. “In the past, I struggled because I lacked the knowledge. Now, with proper guidance, I am more confident and optimistic about growing asparagus,” said Pema Wangdi.

The project has rekindled interest in farming within the community. Farmers see potential in asparagus as a profitable crop and are optimistic about the upcoming harvest season. The gewog plans to expand the program to include more households in future cycles.

Pema Tshering, another resident of Pakchenkha, received 2,000 asparagus crowns and has planted them across 20 decimals of land. Like many others, he faced difficulties in earlier attempts due to inadequate knowledge. Initially, he had planted asparagus in a paddy field, which proved unsuitable, especially during the monsoon season.
“Before, I thought asparagus could be grown like any other crop. But now I understand the importance of using the right methods. With the new techniques I have learned, I am confident that I will get a good harvest this time,” said Pema Tshering.

With new training, he has since adopted better practices such as improved site selection, soil drainage, and planting techniques. These changes have allowed him to shift cultivation to more appropriate land.
Asparagus is being promoted as a high-value crop with the potential to significantly improve household incomes. Gewog officials believe that exposing farmers to such crops and providing the necessary technical support will help improve livelihoods and resilience in rural communities.

According to agriculture officials, the group of farmers is preparing to sell their harvest in Thimphu, where prices are expected to be higher due to strong demand. Encouraged by the initial support, more farmers are likely to participate in the next phase of the program. Gewog authorities are committed to continuing training and monitoring efforts.
Officials say that this initiative can help strengthen the local economy by promoting self-reliance and reducing the country’s dependence on imported vegetables.

Support for the project has also come from the Asian Food and Agriculture Cooperation, which has backed a new initiative to promote organic agriculture across Chukha Dzongkhag. This support is expected to strengthen farming capacity and encourage eco-friendly agricultural practices.

The cooperation’s involvement reflects a broader commitment to food security and sustainable development. It will include training programs, awareness initiatives, and access to organic seeds and composting techniques. Farmers will also receive assistance in adopting organic inputs and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Officials from the Dzongkhag Agriculture Sector welcomed the collaboration, stating that it would contribute to improving soil health, boosting crop yields, and increasing income for rural households. “This partnership is timely and necessary. It will help promote traditional knowledge and environmentally sound practices,” said one official.

Farmers have also expressed hope in the initiative’s potential to support their shift to organic farming. They see benefits not only in improved health and environmental sustainability but also in gaining access to premium markets. “The interest in organic farming is growing, and this program comes at the right time,” said one participant.

With consumer awareness rising and demand for organic products increasing, the initiative in Pakchenkha could become a model for other gewogs. The integration of technical support, capacity building, and market access is seen as a comprehensive approach to achieving sustainable agricultural development in the region.