The anticipation surrounding the first harvest of Bhutanese green chilies has been met with disappointment this year as farmers in Yalang and Ramjar gewogs of Trashiyangtse report a significant decline in yield. Factors ranging from erratic weather patterns to pest infestations and diseases have marred what would typically be a season of prosperity for these farming communities.
Traditionally, by this time of the year, farmers in these regions would be celebrating the arrival of the first green chilies in the market, reaping substantial profits ranging between Nu 100,000 and 150,000 annually. However, the narrative has taken a stark turn this season, with farmers facing the grim reality of meager earnings.
Yangchen Lhamo, a distressed farmer, lamented the sight of her chili plants succumbing to various ailments. “Once chili plants dry from the top, they do not bear fruits. I am uprooting the infected plants,” she expressed, foreseeing a drastic drop in her income to a mere Nu 5,000.
The blame for this agricultural crisis is squarely placed on the shoulders of unpredictable weather patterns and a changing climate. Ugyen Tenzin, another farmer, highlighted the adverse effects of untimely rainfall and shifting weather dynamics on chili cultivation. “Cultivating chili is becoming a waste of resources and time,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of many disillusioned farmers grappling with the challenges posed by nature.
The detrimental impact of these environmental factors is further compounded by the emergence of diseases such as chili blight, leaving farmers grappling with dwindling yields and financial instability. Jigme Choden, a member of the farming community, pointed out the futility of preventive measures such as mulching plastic in the face of relentless challenges. “Although we used preventive measures, chili plants still succumbed to rot from the roots,” she explained, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The consensus among farmers is that the once-favorable climate and soil conditions no longer align with the demands of chili farming, rendering it increasingly unsustainable. Jigme Choden emphasized the distressing sight of chili plants wilting and dying prematurely, a phenomenon unheard of in the past.
Despite the adversity, the significance of chili cultivation in the livelihoods of these communities cannot be overstated. More than 40 households in Yalang gewog rely on chili farming as a means of sustenance, enabling them to support their families and educate their children. However, the future of this vital source of income hangs in the balance as challenges persist.
Dorji Lhendrup, the agriculture extension officer for Yalang gewog, shed light on the underlying causes behind the dwindling chili yield, citing waterlogging and poor management practices as contributing factors. He stressed the need for sustainable agricultural practices and urged farmers to diversify their crops to mitigate risks.
Despite the prevailing gloom, there remains a glimmer of hope as farmers continue to persevere in the face of adversity. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, necessitating collective action and innovative solutions to safeguard the future of Bhutanese agriculture. As the nation grapples with the fallout of a changing climate, the resilience of its farming communities serves as a testament to their unwavering determination in the face of uncertainty.
