In the quiet village of Tsangkha Gewog in Dagana, an innovative farming venture is rewriting the agricultural playbook. Pemba Lhamo and her husband have transformed a modest dream into a thriving enterprise, becoming one of the district’s first large-scale strawberry growers.
After years of hands-on experience in strawberry farming and participation in multiple agricultural training programs, the couple recognized an opportunity. “I was not sure what to pursue because of water scarcity, but a conversation with our gewog agriculture extension supervisor reassured me that the altitude was perfect for strawberries,” Pemba explained. With that newfound confidence, they embarked on a bold mission to revolutionize local farming.
Today, their greenhouses are home to approximately 2,500 strawberry plants thriving under controlled conditions. The farm, started in 2023 with an investment of around 300,000 ngultrum, now cultivates three different varieties of strawberries. These varieties yield fruit from November to April—a period that sees many other farms struggle with a lean harvest season.
The couple’s innovative approach has not only ensured a steady supply of high-quality, organic berries but has also opened new revenue streams. On Saturdays, Pemba and her husband personally harvest the ripe berries and deliver them to resorts and hotels across Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu. With prices reaching as high as Nu 1500 per kilogramme, their strawberries have become a premium product in local markets.
In a country where strawberry production has traditionally been minimal and the market heavily reliant on imports, Pemba’s venture stands out as a beacon of self-sufficiency. “I believe we can not only meet local demand but also supply strawberries to emerging markets like Gelephu Mindfulness City,” she said. The couple’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in their cultivation methods, using only topsoil to ensure a pure, organic product.
The success of this venture is also a testament to the support from the community and local government. The Agriculture Research Development Centre in Wangdue Phodrang played a crucial role by providing greenhouses on a cost-sharing basis, reinforcing the notion that collaborative efforts can yield extraordinary results.
Moreover, Pemba’s participation in advanced permaculture training and farmers’ exchange programs in Europe during 2022 and 2023 has been instrumental in refining her farming techniques. These international exposures have equipped her with modern skills that continue to upgrade the farm’s productivity and sustainability.
With a record harvest of 400 kilograms of strawberries last year, the couple not only managed to clear their debts but also set the stage for future expansion. Their journey from a simple idea to a lucrative farming enterprise serves as an inspiration for local farmers and innovators alike, proving that sometimes the best ideas are born from the most humble beginnings.
As the new harvest season approaches, the promise of fresh, organic strawberries from Tsangkha Gewog shines brightly—a symbol of ingenuity, resilience, and the potential of local agriculture to transform communities.
