In the remote Namthig–Yerphel Chiwog under Yalang Gewog in Trashi Yangtse, Sichuan pepper cultivation is steadily transforming the livelihoods of local farmers. Once grown mainly for household consumption, the crop—locally known as Thingye—has now emerged as one of the community’s most dependable sources of cash income.
Yalang Gewog has become one of the major Sichuan pepper-producing areas in the dzongkhag, with farmers increasingly investing their time and resources into expanding cultivation. Across the chiwog, residents can be seen applying manure around pepper plants to improve yields, while others are planting new saplings in anticipation of better harvests in the coming years.
The growing demand for Sichuan pepper has also strengthened farmers’ earnings. A kilogramme of the produce currently sells for around Nu 800, compared to Nu 600 to 650 last year, offering households improved financial stability.
For many families, pepper cultivation has become a practical alternative to conventional farming, which is often disrupted by wildlife. “Wild boars and monkeys destroy most other crops, so we mainly depend on Sichuan pepper for our livelihood,” said resident Lhamo Chezom. “Recently, we have also started growing cardamom. We earn around Nu 60,000 to 70,000 a year, and that income helps us buy necessities such as oil and salt.”
Another farmer, Tandin Norbu, said pepper farming requires less maintenance than many other crops. “We do not need to weed or care for it as much as other crops, although harvesting is difficult,” he said. “Some farmers earn over Nu 100,000, while people like me make around Nu 20,000 to 30,000 annually.”
After harvesting and drying the pepper, farmers either sell their produce to local traders or transport it to Phuentshogling for better market opportunities.
Production figures from the chiwog reflect the crop’s growing importance. Around 1,800 kilogrammes of Sichuan pepper were produced in 2024, increasing to nearly 2,000 kilogrammes last year.
With cultivation expanding and market prices improving, Sichuan pepper is gradually becoming a reliable and sustainable source of income for the farming community in Namthig–Yerphel Chiwog.
