Break the vicious cycle of potatoes
10 February 2010
Sometime ago, there was an article by reporter Rabi C Dahal in Bhutan Observer on production and marketing of potatoes by Bumthaps and Phobjibs.
It was pointed out that these locals grow potatoes through sheer hard work and take them to Phuentsholing auction yard. They lose part of their income from the sale of potatoes to transportation, not to mention the cost of food and lodge.
It was also mentioned that the Bhutanese potatoes are bought by Indian businessmen, and later during the off season, sold back to Bhutanese consumers at a higher price. This is a vicious cycle created by our sheer stupidity.
Why can’ the Food Corporation of Bhutan market potatoes within the country during the season? The surplus can be stored using the state-of-the-art cold storage facilities (which FCB has already has) and sold during the off season to the locals.
The benefits of this would be:
a) The local farmers get the same rate for their produce but avoid the unnecessary transportation and other related costs.
b) The Bhutanese have the luxury of eating our own potatoes, which are more preferable to the Indian ones, not only during the potato season but also during the off season.
c) The Bhutanese consumers need not pay a higher price for the same local potatoes. So the revenue still remains within the country.
d) The poor potatoes need not be repeatedly manhandled by a chain of buyers and sellers, thereby reducing its shelf life.
If only the Ministry of Agriculture acts on this simple matter. This is the case of potatoes only. What about our other agricultural products?
Jigme Tshering
tshering_jigme@yahoo.com
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Loading ...Zakar for Sunday March 14 2010
29th Day of the 01st Month - Iron Male Tiger Year
Auspicious for: Conducting consecration and blessing ceremonies, propitiating gods and deities, handing and taking over anything, sowing seeds, planting flowers, starting business, undertaking a long journey, making and taking medicine, inviting guest, learning rig-nye and astrology, entering new houses and calling upon superiors.
Inauspicious for: Conducting jin-seg, sri-nen, lue-cho and doing charity work in the name of the deceased.
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