Cultivating Hope: How Micro Finance Transformed Sangay Bumpa’s Ginger Farming Venture

In the small village of Panbang nestled in the district of Zhemgang, Sangay Bumpa, a ginger farmer embarked on his journey to transform a better life for him and his family. Despite a large family of nine including his parents and siblings, no one earns an income. After completing grade 12, Sangay wasn’t fortunate enough to get employed anywhere. So, he resorted to agriculture in sustaining his family members.

Sangay availed his first loan amounting Nu. 10,000/- from Tarayana Micro Finance in 2021. With the fund, he took up ginger farming with the intent to earn and support his aging parents and in raising his children. The ginger cultivation cycle spans about five months, and Sangay envisioned earning substantial profits by selling his produce in the market.

During the COVID-19 times, the prices of ginger dropped to Nu. 25 per kg as a result of which he could not pay back the loan. The stressful situation led him to doubt himself on his decision in availing the loan. However, Tarayana Micro Finance did not abandon him. Understanding his predicament, he was given a time extension for the loan repayment. He was motivated and encouraged to persevere and maintain hope. He worked harder, and he invested more in ginger seeds and labor. After the second harvest, he was able to earn over Nu. 100,000. He repaid the loan in full and also saved some money for his family. He also helped his brother and sister with their education through the sale of the second harvest.

Sangay’s ginger farming business is growing well, and he says that he doesn’t have future plans to avail more loans from the Tarayana Micro Finance because of the sufficient savings that is enough to sustain his family. He is expanding the area and diversifying crops to include vegetables such as radish, cabbage, and carrots. Sangay has improved his living standard and increased productivity. He says he will always be thankful to the Tarayana Micro Finance for the support and help they have shown him.