3rd June 2017, Gasa:
“Time does not change; People Change.” – A timeless saying by Guru Rimpoche. In the same spirit, the coming of Paddy to Khatoed Gewog may not be attributed to Climate Change, but rather to the Change in people’s entrepreneurship. Historically, Khatoed Gewog is associated with wheat, barley and buckwheat basically indicating it’s higher and chillier climate unfit for Paddy. Khatoeps have their paddy field in lower Gasa (Khamoed Gewog).
Today, local farmers, Gewog EA, ADAO, DAO, Dzongrab, DT Thrizin and Dzongda excitedly joined a progressive farming family in Zami Zam in paddy transplantation in about a quarter acre of land. Assuming ideal situation without any disease or wild animal attacks, about 400 kgs are paddy are expected to be harvested. As this will be the first time and also grown under natural condition without any chemicals, we plan to find niche market for this special rice. We welcome advance booking from interested parties !
Just to add some facts, actually it was 12 years ago, that paddy was grown and harvested for the first time in this part of Gasa, in fact in the same area. Mr LB Biswa was the Agri Extensionist. (Credits: we send our warm greetings to LB Biswa. Where you are – we are happy to inform you that the farmers remember you with gratitude). However due to acute farm labour shortage and rampant depredation of crops by wild animals, it was discontinued. Now after 12 years, with the advent of power tillers, electric fencing and promotion by Agriculture sector, the family ventured again. 
Dzongkhag Agriculture sector has plan to expand paddy to about 5 acres in the coming year.