A saying that determination and hard work can move the mountains is actually ringing true for Kencho Dorji, 68, from Dagana.
Despite being visually impaired, he has managed to overcome obstacles and achieved his dream of doing commercial hazelnut cultivation.
Kencho is one among the 70 households in Tseza Gewog to have ventured into commercial hazelnut farming since three years ago. Today, he credits the Mountain Hazelnut Venture for proving his endeavour a success.
Kencho said, now all he needs to do is eagerly wait for another three years to harvest his labour of love. Although, Kencho has eight children and three siblings, he lives with his mother, Mindu Zam, who is 87-year-old. His aging mother helps him take care of hazelnut plants.
“My mother tells she cannot help me anymore. Yet, I ask her to take me to the farm to nurture the plants,” Kencho said.
His mother Mindu said in hard times, many people turned their back against them but still they are coping with the situation.
“He cannot see and I am too old to do household chores and lift heavy stuffs. I am helpless but we have to deal with the situation anyhow.”
When Kencho took up hazelnut project, his village mates were skeptical about it. “They told me that the plant will not bear fruits even after ages, but I followed my heart and cultivated the hazelnuts. Today, everyone is willing to take up such farming,” continued Kencho.
Officials of Mountain Hazelnut Venture Company frequently visit Kencho’s farm and reviews the progress.
At present, Tseza Gewog has over 65 acres of land cultivated with hazelnut plants. And this has been possible with assistance from hazelnut company, which is is a triple bottom-line company working to establish a world-class hazelnut production in Bhutan that creates shared value for all stakeholders (farmers and communities, and international partners).
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