Yam Kumar Poudel 

With the inauguration of the first Farmers’ Sales Outlet (FSO) earlier this week, farmers in Dagana are optimistic it will ensure a sustained market for their produce. 

Daga Sanam Thuenkey Detshen (DSTD) will operate the FSO located at Dagapela. 

The chairman of the cooperative, Phub Tshering said, “The group will collect locally produced livestock, agricultural and non-wood forest products from the farmers from all the gewogs in Dagana.”

Some 13 members of the group will be the lead operators of the FSO. “We are overwhelmed to see a great interest from the local farmers,” said Santa Bdr Subba, a DSTD member, and a farmer.

He said that they were happy and willing to provide round-the-clock service to the farmers and the local communities.

The outlet was constructed at a cost of Nu 4.1 million funding from the Food Security and Agriculture Productivity Project (FSAPP).

Dagana Agriculture Officer, Kinley Namgay said that the outlet was centrally located and could reach out to several gewogs. “We expect farmers from all 14 gewogs under Dagana to avail of this service.”

The outlet is expected to receive fresh products from the local community that can be easily sold at a reasonable price.

Goshi Tshogpa Bik Bdr Thingh said that such initiatives and support from the dzongkhag would encourage the farmers and improve their economic stability.

“Moreover, this will create employment opportunities for the youth and encourage them to engage in farming on their agricultural land,” the tshogpa said.

FSAPP aims to enhance access to the market for farmers in the district. It has made its reach and supported similar outlets in other dzongkhags such as; Chhukha, Samtse, Sarpang, and Haa as of now.

FSAPP grant agreement was signed between the government and the World Bank on May 8, 2017.