Gomdar Gewog Farmers Embrace Avocado Cultivation as an Income Source in Bhutan

Bhutanese farmers in the Gomdar Gewog of Samdrup Jongkhar are turning to avocado cultivation as a promising alternative source of income following a devastating citrus disease outbreak that wreaked havoc on their mandarin orchards. The shift to avocados has already started showing positive results, breathing hope into the farming community.

For generations, mandarin farming has been the backbone of income for families in Gomdar Gewog. However, a citrus greening outbreak dealt a severe blow to the once-thriving mandarin industry, causing extensive crop losses and financial hardship. As a result, farmers are now seeking viable alternatives to sustain their livelihoods.

Tshering, a forward-thinking farmer, took the initiative to explore avocado farming back in 2012. Today, he boasts approximately 70 avocado trees, with around 30 of them bearing fruits. Tshering's yearly earnings from his avocado orchard amount to Nu 30,000, as reported by Bhutan Live. Despite facing challenges like fruit drop issues and lower prices in the local market compared to urban areas, he firmly believes that avocado farming can thrive if these hurdles are addressed.

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Inspired by Tshering's success, 27 other households in Gomdar Gewog have already joined the ranks of avocado cultivators. The enthusiasm for avocado farming is spreading rapidly, with more than 300 households expressing interest in planting avocado trees, according to Bhutan Live.

The decline of mandarin trees in the region has been attributed to factors like citrus disease outbreaks, climate change, and inadequate orchard management. In response, the district's agricultural sector is taking steps to revitalize mandarin cultivation by providing seedlings and offering support to farmers.

To ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of challenges, agricultural authorities are urging farmers to diversify their crops by embracing other fruit-bearing trees, such as avocados. This shift not only promises economic opportunities but also contributes to the preservation of the region's agricultural heritage.

As more farmers in Gomdar Gewog take up avocado cultivation, the picturesque landscape is transforming into a lush canvas of green, symbolizing hope and resilience. With avocado farming yielding positive results and providing a stable income stream, the community looks forward to a brighter future, where they can continue to thrive and grow despite the trials that nature may present.

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