Chhudzom is about a three-hour drive from Gelephu and located at an altitude ranging of 1200 to 1800 masl with a pristine and clean ecosystem providing opportunities for organic production. Chhudzom is also a main hub for supplying fresh and nutritious vegetable to the urban residence of Gelephu and nearby towns.
Gewog administration has declared itself to maintain and pursue organic farming considering its health and environmental benefit. Supporting the gewog initiative and desire for organic farming, National Centre for Organic Agriculture (NCOA), Yusipang in collaboration with Dzongkhag Agriculture sector, Sarpang and Agriculture Research and Development Centre (ARDC), Samtenling has promoted organic agriculture in the gewog with funding support from Global Environment Facility-Least Developed Countries Fund (GEF_LDCF), NAPA III project since 2017. GEF-LDCF through various projects has been supporting small and vulnerable farming communities against the raising impact of climate change and governmentโs initiative to promote organic farming as climate resilient measure.
In order to encourage and advocate other organic operators, a two days village organic fair was organized at Chhudzom gewog, Sarpang from 27-28 May, 2023. The main objectives of the village fair were to bring together organic farmers of the gewog, showcase and share experiences and to provide market avenue for the organic produces.
The event was graced by Programme Director, ARDC, Samtenling as the chief guest. It was attended by officials from Regional Agricultural Marketing and Cooperatives Officer (RAMCO), Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), gewog officials, Local Government members, and the farmers and residence of the Chhudzom gewog, where nine organic farmersโ groups displayed their certified fresh and processed organic products. In addition, the nine groups were evaluated for best stall display and exhibition. The Gaalegthang Model Organic village (MOV) stood first in the competition followed by Himalaya vegetable production group and Dragchu Vegetable Production Group. They also displayed traditional farming tools and crafts.
Along with farmers stall, different organic technologies were also displayed to create awareness to the organic farming community. The event was Supported by NAPA III, A RGoB Initiative with UNDP, funded by GEF-LDCF.
A quiz on organic farming was also arranged where representatives of the nine farmersโ groups took part making the event more informative and educative. To encourage the participants, prizes were also awarded to the winners of the competition. Some local and traditional dances and cuisines were also showcased.
By: Pema Zangmo
Policy Regulation and Coordination Program
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