RENUKA RAI | Thimphu
Farmers of Tsirang, Sunkosh Chiwog under Rangthangling Gewog have begun preparations for the winter chilli season, hoping for a bountiful harvest and increased household income. The people of Sunkosh are believed to be among the first to cultivate winter chillies in Tsirang Dzongkhag. Farmers have commenced planting, and some have already started growing the crop this season.
Rangthaling Gewog Administrative Officer Dorji Dema said, “The people of Sunkosh are believed to be among the first to cultivate winter chilli in Tsirang Dzongkhag. As in previous years, the farmers of Sunkosh have commenced their winter chilli plantation, and some have even already started growing. The Gewog provided the mulching plastic used for the plantation during the 2023–2024 financial year. The farmers are making effective use of this support and are recognized as some of the hardest-working farmers from Sunkosh Chiwog under Rangthangling Gewog.”
Among the leading farmers is Bal Bahadur Pradhan, whose journey into winter chilli cultivation began after attending an agriculture meeting in 2022. “I got the idea about winter chilli plantation back in 2022 during an agriculture meeting,” he said. Over the past three years, he has actively practiced winter chilli farming and has achieved promising results.
“Last year, I had a good harvest and income, and this year I am expecting an even better yield,” Bal Bahadur added. He noted that other villages have started following the same methods. “I learned that planting in June, at the start of the early winter, is essential to get a good product,” he said. Bal Bahadur highlighted the economic benefits of winter chilli cultivation. “Chilli farming provides a reliable source of income for my family, and I sell my produce in Damphu, Wangdi, and even Thimphu,” he said. He also shared the challenges faced in cultivation. “Water has been the main problem for cultivation,” he explained, noting the importance of careful water management and timely planting.
Like Bal Bahadur, many other farmers of Sunkosh Chiwog are preparing to bring Bhutanese chillies to the market this season. Farmers remain optimistic about achieving good yields and increasing their incomes. The Gewog’s support in providing mulching plastic during the 2023–2024 financial year has helped improve productivity. Farmers are recognised for making effective use of these resources and for their dedication to agriculture.
Winter chilli cultivation in Sunkosh contributes not only to household income but also to the local agricultural economy. Knowledge-sharing among farmers has helped spread successful cultivation techniques to other villages.
Authorities recognise the farmers of Sunkosh Chiwog under Rangthangling Gewog as some of the hardest-working in the region. Their efforts set an example for other communities and encourage the adoption of improved farming practices.
With careful planning, timely planting, and continued support from the Gewog, farmers of Sunkosh Chiwog remain hopeful about a successful and profitable chilli season. Winter chilli cultivation exemplifies how small-scale farmers can innovate, adapt, and thrive, ensuring both local livelihoods and the availability of quality Bhutanese chillies in the market
