DT decides to divide the market shed into two for rural and urban vendors

Vegetable: After a long discussion over the use of vegetable market below Bajo town, the Wangdue Dzongkhag Tshogdue (DT) decided to divide and allot the market shed to  farmers and urban  vendors selling imported produce.

The farmers would use the front row while the back row would be given to urban vegetable vendors, the DT decided.

This came after Kashi gup Rinchen Penjore raised the issue concerning the use of vegetable shed that was constructed for villagers, but is now fully occupied by urban vendors selling imported vegetables.

He said villagers were concerned, as they couldn’t find space to sell local produce.

Rinchen Penjore said following repetitive request from urban vendors the dzongkhag administration has taken an amicable decision by allowing the vendors to use the back row and leave the front to the villagers.

However, the urban vendors have not just occupied the entire shed but didn’t leave space for farmers. Villagers personally requested local leaders to raise the issue, said gup Rinchen Penjore.

Local leaders said earlier the DT even decided and designated some of the platforms from the Sunday market. However, villagers were seen sitting on the ground along the way to the market as the market sheds were filled with urban vendors.

The market that was aimed to promote rural vegetables and boost income of farmers has become an area to sell everything including clothes, slippers, food and imported goods.

However, local leaders like Rubesa gup Gyeltshen argued that since urban vendors were also selling for livelihood they should also be given some space.

Dzongkhag engineer Lhapchu clarified that the area was not specifically built for farmers but because Bajo town needed a vegetable shed. Many people including both villagers and urban vegetable vendors were seen pitching plastic tents and selling on ground, he said.

After finding the requirement, Bajo thromde has made concrete platforms, which was later developed with funding support from PHPA.

Dawa Gyelmo, Wangdue