The arrival of the fresh maize season has transformed roadside corners in Monggar into bustling hubs of trade, with farmers and vendors cashing in on strong demand from travelers along the east-west highway.
At Khalingzi, a familiar stopover located about 10 kilometres from Kurizampa towards Monggar town, the aroma of roasting maize draws a steady stream of customers. Vendors here work tirelessly, turning golden cobs over open flames as commuters pause briefly during their journeys.
This year’s first harvest has proven especially lucrative. The young maize, prized for its sweetness, is selling quickly, and some vendors report earnings that have exceeded expectations within just a few weeks.
Among them is 50-year-old Tshering from Chhali Gewog, who has already sold out his one-acre maize harvest far earlier than anticipated. In just 17 days, he earned nearly Nu 500,000 from roasted maize sales, marking a significant milestone in his four years as a roadside vendor.
Despite challenges posed by roadblocks along the highway, Tshering says business remains strong. Traffic halts at Kurizampa from early morning until late morning, limiting customer flow during those hours. But once the road reopens, a surge of vehicles racing to meet the next opening point at Gangola brings a rush of buyers. On particularly good days, he earns up to Nu 20,000, with daily sales rarely dropping below Nu 12,000.
Nearby, 32-year-old Kelzang Palden carefully tends her maize over a makeshift metal oven, ensuring each cob is evenly roasted. She notes that weekends bring higher footfall, with daily earnings averaging above Nu 7,000.
However, the roadblock schedule has also reshaped her routine. Vendors now arrive before dawn and stay until evening, adapting to traffic patterns that leave little room for leisurely stops. While Kelzang earned slightly more last year, surpassing Nu 100,000, she says this season’s performance remains comparable.
As the weeks pass, the window for selling roasted maize will gradually close. Once the maize matures and loses its tenderness, vendors will shift to selling processed forms such as beaten maize.
For the people of Monggar, maize is more than just a seasonal delicacy. It is both a staple food and a vital source of income, with two cultivation cycles each year ensuring that its economic and cultural significance endures.
