Project Results:
A youth-based cooperative called KNC rehabilitated 93 hectares of leased land that was left fallow for 32 years through agroforestry for rural income enhancement (BHU/SGP/OP6/Y2/CORE/LD/2016/03) in Zhemgang District which is one of the districts with highest subsistence poverty rate in the country. But 80 % of the district if forest and boasts of rich biodiversity.

The 6 youth (3 male and 3 female) and its 26 collaborative farmers from 9 villages in the area were able to sustainably plant fruits (banana and watermelons) and vegetables in the 93 ha farm fenced with solar electric fencing spanning 12 kilometers. In 2018 the group produced 14 tons of water melons and 32 tons of bananas. Besides these fruits, smaller quantities of vegetables were grown from collaborative farmers? farms. The group also enhanced production of naturally grown banana chips and candies. In 2019, 23 tons of banana was produced and 14.1tons of watermelons were produced (this includes farmers producing 5.8 tons). A total income of USD 17276 was made in 2018 with individual youth earning USD 1883 per year and collaborative farmers earning an average of USD 354 per year. Besides, the youth group was also able to make loan repayment of USD 10,154 in 2018 and continues to do so. The youth group gained attention and visibility with two ministers visiting the farms and many officials, donors and groups visiting the site. The perception of farmers and early school leavers that farming is not attractive for educated youth has changes in the last few years.

In 2019, 9 farmers were able to convert 1.21 ha of fallow land to banana farm. While all lands are not productive, the group is exploring planting pineapples in select lands. To scale up the success story, the district administration has leased 2.02 ha of land to the group and they intend to plant watermelons and passion fruits besides setting up manufacturing and processing unit.

Today the farm is the largest banana farm in the country. The group received technical support from agricultural agencies of the government, the district and block administration, Local Government and many national and international organizations. The project is an excellent partnership model and many organizations have contributed in bits and pieces.

As of April 2023:

The project has directly benefited 300 farmers and 50 youths (approx.) through the cultivation of watermelons, bananas, and vegetables and collection of bamboo shoots. Besides the watermelons grown and sold by other farmers, KNC alone has collected and marketed 70 tons of watermelons and 3.2 million of bananas in the last 6 years from Zhemgang. Most farmers have made an average income of Nu. 60,000 per year with the baseline of zero income (2017 - pre-project phase). It has indirectly benefited 1850 students in four schools and another scores of farmers through sale and marketing of fruits and vegetables. A total of about 200 acres (approx..) of fallow land has been rehabilitated so far in one way or the other (See annexure 3 and 4 for pictures).

KNC is collaborating with about 15 communities (mostly women farmers and youths) in Zhemgang district including three communities from Wangduephodrang (Dangchu, Longtoed-Longmoed and others) mainly on fruits, vegetables, and farm tools. Farmers of Goling, Shobling, Tsanglajong and Ngangla market their bananas, watermelons, and vegetables through KNC. Farmers of Buli, Tali, Dakphel, Berti, Takabi, Tashibe, and Kaktong collaborate in terms of vegetable and bamboo shoots. In last quarter of 2022, KNC got a request from Malaysia to supply 15 tons of ginger and turmeric powder. KNC has improvised a heavy duty (180kg capacity) dryer powered by grid electricity to dry ginger and turmeric slices. It is made from wood/ply with three blowers. It takes 5 days to dry 180 kgs on moderate temperature to mainly quality.

For 2023, year KNC has targeted business turnover of Nu. 19 million (source KNC Facebook and discussion with KNC CEO). KNC?s four portfolio include vegetables and fruits, food processing, nursery and seeds, and machinery and farm tools. Farmers and youths have been able to buy several boleros, 18 power tillers, 19 grass cutters, and 25 maize grinders. School children who have been taken out of school due to financial challenges are now back to school because parents are able afford now (KNC is trying to collect more information).