A small vegetable sales counter established along the roadside in Khothagpa in Pema Gatshel, is bringing about immense benefit to both villagers and commuters. Besides providing fresh and locally-grown produce it is boosting the local economy.
The government constructed the sales counter for Khothagpa dairy group in 2018.
Two years ago, the group stopped the operation of the milk processing unit in Khothakpa following which farmers have been working with the Shumar dairy group.
The Khothakpa dairy group then rented the counter to a woman.
From vegetables to fruits and dairy products, villagers sell all their produce to the woman.
Villagers said the establishment of the sales counter has created a win-win situation for the operator, commuters, and villagers.
“She helped us sell our products. As the counter is nearby, it has benefitted us. If not, we have to travel far to sell our produce,” said Singey Zangmo, a farmer.
“As it is located along the Nganglam highway, we can buy the farm produce. We also used to bring our vegetables here to sell,” said Phuntsho T Namgay, a commuter.
“I am raising my children by running this business,” said Rinchen Lhamo, the sales counter operator.
According to Yalang-Khothagpa Tshogpa, he has plans to propose the Gewog administration to expand the sales counter.