In the quiet hillside village of Phadi in Khar Gewog, a subtle but powerful transformation is underway. As rural populations shrink and the availability of farm labour continues to decline, women farmers are taking matters into their own hands—this time, quite literally. A recent supply of mini power tillers, distributed through a cost-sharing initiative supported by the CARLEP project, is reshaping how agricultural work gets done in these remote communities.
On a recent morning, women in Phadi could be seen confidently fitting rotators onto compact power tillers, preparing to turn over the soil for the new season. Once considered tools requiring physical strength and traditionally handled by men, the lightweight and user-friendly machines are now being operated with ease by women who have long shouldered the responsibility of keeping their farms productive.
“We used to depend on nine or ten labourers to complete our farm work,” recalled Karma Wangmo as she prepared her machine for use. “At first, I struggled with operating it, but with guidance from our agriculture extension official, I’ve become comfortable. This tiller has made our work so much easier.”
For many in the village, the machines arrived not just as equipment but as timely relief. The outmigration of young people has left families with dwindling manpower, turning simple field preparation into an annual challenge. For farmers like Dorji Wangmo, the power tiller has become indispensable.
“I was really nervous at first, especially when it came to turning the machine,” she shared with a smile. “But once I got used to it, everything changed. We used to hire several labourers just to cultivate this land, but now workers are hard to come by. With this machine, we’re able to continue farming despite those challenges.”
Khar Gewog has received five mini power tillers so far, contributing to the 80 distributed across Pema Gatshel district this year under the CARLEP cost-sharing programme. For farmers, each machine represents not only improved efficiency but reduced costs—an important consideration for households already feeling the strain of labour shortages.
Community members say continued government support for such mechanisation will be vital for sustaining rural livelihoods. With fewer hands available and a strong desire to keep their ancestral lands productive, these compact machines are helping ensure that farming remains viable.
As the women of Phadi steer their power tillers across the fields, they are not just preparing the soil—they are cultivating a new narrative of resilience and independence in Bhutan’s rural landscape.
