Cassava farming is gaining fresh momentum in Chhoekhorling Gewog of Pema Gatshel as farmers turn to a crop that is fast becoming a reliable source of income and local economic growth.
With land development and chain-link fencing recently completed at Bafudhar, nearly 50 acres of land have now been brought under cassava cultivation. The development has revived interest among landowners and farmers, many of whom are shifting away from traditional orange orchards to grow cassava instead.
At the center of this transition is Green Hill Firm, a cassava flour production group established a decade ago. Despite persistent manpower shortages, the group has continued to process cassava into flour, providing a steady market for local growers and creating livelihood opportunities for its members.
Inside the production facility, members can be seen peeling and preparing cassava roots for processing. Their product carries organic certification, which the group believes gives them a strong advantage as consumer demand increasingly favors chemical-free foods.
“People are becoming more conscious about what they eat. Organic products are preferred because they are healthier and safer,” said Sonam Choden, a member of Green Hill Firm. She added that the group hopes to expand its reach beyond local markets, especially with the anticipated development of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, which could open new commercial opportunities.
For farmers like Kezang Deki, cassava cultivation has introduced a new and dependable income stream. “Before the factory was set up, we didn’t even have cassava seeds. I started growing cassava three years ago after the facility was established. Since there is no other market, I bring everything here to sell,” she said.
Recognizing the crop’s potential, cassava has been designated as the “One Gewog One Product” for Chhoekhorling. The gewog administration is now actively encouraging farmers to expand production and supply more raw material to the processing unit.
To ensure quality and sustainability, the administration has reviewed and revised existing by-laws governing production and processing. “All necessary protocols for packaging and processing are now in place. The revised by-laws clearly outline what the group should do and what should be avoided,” said Chhoekhorling Gup Kinzang Rabten.
Currently, Green Hill Firm produces more than one metric ton of cassava flour annually. With increasing farmer participation and improved infrastructure, the group plans to scale up production in the coming years.
The renewed focus on cassava is not only diversifying agriculture in Chhoekhorling Gewog but also strengthening local livelihoods, signaling a promising future for this once-overlooked crop.
