Farmers living around Denchi town in Pema Gatshel have been searching for a proper place to sell their vegetables ever since the township was shifted. Now, their wait may soon be over. The district administration began constructing an integrated market shed in the core town early this year. With work progressing steadily at the site, farmers say they finally feel hopeful.
The construction of the new two-storey market shed in Denchi town is progressing smoothly, promising the farmers nearby a dedicated space to sell their produce.
Farmers near the town area grow a variety of vegetables. But without a designated space, they struggle to sell their farm produce.
They are also unable to attract customers and often have to dry surplus vegetables or feed them to cattle.
Sonam Dema, the resident of Khothakpa said, “We are hoping it will be of great help if we are also given a chance to sell in the new shed. Even if we cannot be there every day, we plan to bring our produce on the weekends. We are really hoping that we will also be allotted space once the construction is completed.”
“We have land to cultivate, but because of the difficulty in selling our vegetables, much of it was left fallow. If we get customers in this new market, we can cultivate more of them. Earlier, we faced problems because there was no proper place to sell. Since we live in the village, we cannot travel long distances just to sell vegetables,” said Ugyen Tshomo, a resident of Denchi in Shumar Gewog.
We are hopeful that we will be able to take our organic vegetables there. I have already discussed with my fellow villagers that we should now cultivate more vegetables, and one person could collect and take all the produce to the new shed for us,” said Namgay Wangdi, a resident of Yalang.
The new structure, worth Nu 14.5 M, is scheduled for completion by the end of next year.
Once complete, it is expected to boost local production and give town residents better access to fresh, organic vegetables.