Once considered a staple food, the cultivation of finger millet in Bumdeling Gewog in Trashi Yangtse is gradually declining. Farmers who have relied on millet are now shifting their focus away from the crop due to changes in dietary habits and limited business opportunities. Bumdeling is the highest millet-producing gewog in Trashi Yangtse.
Most farmers of Bomdhir-Wogmanang Chiwog in Bumdeling Gewog still cultivate finger millet, but not on a large scale.
A few decades ago, farmers used to cultivate millet in larger quantities as it was their staple food. But now, besides consumption, millet is used for brewing alcohol and to feed their cattle.
Bumdeling farmers grow three varieties of finger millet.
Rinzin Dema, a farmer said “Now, the finger millet cultivation has declined. Earlier, we used to cultivate it on large scale. Now, I do not see people consuming millet flour. Moreover, there is only few people drinking alcohol and millet is used as fodder for cattle.”
Tshundu Rabgay, another farmer said “I think the millet cultivation is declining because of limited business opportunity. So, now, people cultivate it just for self-consumption. If the trend continues, I think no one will be cultivating millet.”
Phurpa Dema, who is also a farmer said “In the past, people cultivated millet because they eat millet flour. But now, we consume rice, and millet is used to feed cattle and for brewing alcohol. That is why it is not cultivated much.”
Farmers grow millet from March to April and harvest it around in autumn.
Trashi Yangtse’s district agriculture officer said farmers are growing high-value crops such as Urka Bangla chilli, other vegetables and quinoa which is hampering millet cultivation.
To encourage farmers, the agriculture sector established a finger millet processing group last year to produce millet flour, snacks, and beverages.
The sector also provided training on crop management and facilitating market between farmers and domestic buyers.
Last year, 180 households in Bumdeling Gewog cultivated millet on around 60 acres of land, producing 60 metric tonnes of finger millet.
Indigenous crops such as millet are important as they enhance biodiversity, adapt well to local climates, and support sustainable agriculture. They hold cultural significance, offer high nutritional value, and can boost local economies by reducing reliance on imported products.
Sonam Darjay, Trashi Yangtse
Edited by Tshering Zam
