The Panbang Youth Cooperative (PYC) in Zhemgang, which started with vegetable cultivation five years ago, is now expanding its efforts to ensure food security and self-sufficiency for the community. Founded in 2019 by five university graduates, the farm is now managed by 23 young members.
The cooperative cultivates a variety of crops, including vegetables, coffee, cereals, watermelon, and pineapples on 14 acres of government-leased land in Andala, Ngangla gewog. It also runs a pilot hydroponic project with 150 units. The cooperative supplies vegetables to Panbang Primary School, Sonamthang Central School, monasteries, and various local communities.
"We are farmers by choice, learning by doing," says Leki Chedup, the 32-year-old chairperson of the cooperative. "We believe in self-sufficiency through our contributions to the local, national, and international economy."
"There are no marketing challenges. Currently, we are unable to meet the demand even within the community," he added. "During summer, we purchase vegetables from higher altitude areas such as Paro, Thimphu, Wangdue, and Mongar, and import vegetables during the two-month lean season to maintain an uninterrupted supply."
Read more at Kuensel