Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

The Samdrupjongkhar Initiative (SJI) and vegetable groups contributed vegetables to the self-containment areas and frontline workers in Samdrupjongkhar January 13.

The vegetable groups and cooperatives from Dewathang, Menchari and Morong contributed cabbage, radish, carrot, cauliflower, broccoli, pulses, kharang and saag. The groups also contributed fruits.

SJI’s programme director, Cheku Dorji, said they contributed about two metric tonnes of vegetables including fruits worth about Nu 80,000 to Chokyi Gyatsho shedra in Dewathnag, Samdrupjongkhar dratshang and frontline workers.

“We are contributing vegetables as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity during this unprecedented time. Our small contribution is expected to help them during such crucial situations,” the programme director said.

A farmer from Dewathang, Karma Tenzin, said they contributed vegetables and fruits to support frontline workers.

He said farmers are making good income from vegetables this time. “We are sharing our benefit with the government.”

He also said that it was a small gesture of appreciation to the frontline workers for their service to the country and fighting against the pandemic.

The groups had also contributed during the first lockdown.

Samdrupjongkhar dratshang’s store-in-charge, Dechen Norbu, said the contributions would help the monks, as they are not allowed to go out to buy vegetables. They are in self-containment.

He said vegetable vendors in the town deliver vegetables to the dratshang, but they also face challenges to transport vegetables. “We are happy to receive vegetable contributions for the first time during a difficult time.”