Sonam Dema: Seeds of Inspiration, Harvest of Change

When the Tshogpa (village elected head) told Sonam Dema about the Tarayana initiated agriculture tour, she was beyond happy, but she also spent the night fretting over the idea of going out and wondering if it was a good decision. Sonam Dema is one of the farmers who participated in the farmers’ exposure tour initiated by the Tarayana Foundation as part of its commitment to build the capacity of communities for climate resilience under the Agroforestry for Climate Change Adaptation project. She is a 33-year-old passionate farmer and a mother of two from Dungmanma under Lumang block in Trashigang district.
“The first thing I learned from the tour was tomato cultivation, and the first thing that I did after reaching home was plant tomatoes with the seed they provided, in the way they taught us. It wasn’t just tomato cultivation they taught us, but also about other vegetables and fruits that I’ve never seen or heard of. I got to see and learn about things I only saw on Television. I was awestruck to see the TSHAR Institute in Kalapang, Gyalpozhing, Mongar. I never knew that bamboo can be used to make such different varieties of products and structures. Seeing products being carved by machines and other Tsharzo (bamboo craft) activities was unforgettable since I had a small interest in it too,” says Sonam as she echoed her gratitude to the Foundation.

Expressing her inability to express all her feelings and thoughts properly, humbly she continues, “In Themnangbi, I couldn’t help but be amazed at the sight of one of the women’s farms, which made use of all the things we throw away. She made all sorts of chips and packaged goods that I thought came from India via Samdrup Jongkhar. She made use of maize powder, ground potatoes, bananas, and other kinds of fruits and vegetables to make packaged goods. They were using English terms to name them, so it was hard to catch on, but I tried to grasp everything with my eyes and other indications. When I reached home, I planted the tomato and cucumber seeds they provided and shared all the knowledge I got with my neighbors.”

“I realized we should not stay idle, and compared to all the activities those farmers were involved in, it was like we were sleeping. I don’t regret attending this tour, and I wish to be involved in such programs in the future if given a chance. I have so many things to do now,” says Sonam Dema.