Chencho Dema
Wangdue, renowned for its potato cultivation, primarily produces potatoes in the six gewogs of Gangtey, Phobjikha, Dangchu, Saephu, Rubesa, and Bjena.
Phobjikha, Gangtey, and Saephu are the top three producers of potatoes among the six gewogs in the dzongkhag. In recent years, potato production has grown significantly, continuing to thrive and contribute to both food security and the economic prosperity of the dzongkhag.
The dzongkhag produces approximately 67 percent of the country’s total potatoes. Within this, Gangtey is particularly significant, contributing 37 percent of the district’s potato output, with 90 percent of its production being exported.
According to the 2023 crop cut data collected by Gewog Agriculture Extension Officers, the dzongkhag produces approximately 17,862.97 MT of potatoes annually, including wetland potatoes, with an average yield of 6,548.34 kg per acre.
Although residents of these gewogs benefit from their successful potato farming, they also face various challenges and opportunities.
The records maintained by the Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited in 2023, about 878 farmers from Wangdue participated in the auction at Phuentsholing.
A total of 8,875.29 metric tons of potatoes were sold through auction at an average price of Nu. 15 per kg.
In 2023, farmers in Wangdue earned an average annual income of Nu 133 million from selling potatoes, not including those sold locally or at the Centenary Farmers’ Market.
In the past, farmers encountered several challenges when bringing their produce to the auction in Phuentsholing.
According to dzongkhag officials, farmers frequently experienced long delays because they were unable to auction their potatoes promptly upon arriving at the auction yard.
Farmers face logistical issues in Phuentsholing due to the extended duration of the auction process and also experience delays in receiving payments for their potatoes after the sale.
Due to the lengthy auction period, farmers often incur extra costs by paying additional fees to truck drivers for the extended waiting time.
The long distance from Wangdue to Phuentsholing presents significant challenges for farmers, including potential spoilage of potatoes from heat during transit and high transportation costs.
However, the recent inauguration of the Potato Trade Facilitation Centre and warehouse in Gangtey Gewog addresses these issues. The centre, built on a three-acre site at a cost of Nu 75.67 million, includes a warehouse with a 500 MT capacity. This facility will protect potatoes from heat and transit damage, ensuring better quality. It also allows farmers to store their potatoes until market conditions improve, potentially leading to better prices.
Choeki Wangchuk, an agriculture officer, highlighted several initiatives to support farmers, including the establishment of the trade facilitation centre, the supply of improved potato seeds, nutrient management, and increased awareness of bio-fertilizers. Wangchuk noted that farmers heavily rely on chemical fertilizers and are encouraged to use more bio-fertilizers.
According to the Integrated Agriculture and Livestock Census of Bhutan 2023, Wangdue harvested 12,819 MT of potatoes, an increase of 2,586 MT from 2022. The number of potato growers in Wangdue rose to 1,719, with 1,813.63 acres sown and 1,794.14 acres harvested.