24th May 2018, Gasa: Romancing Rice in Gasa Rains....

Today over a small traditional ceremony presided by the Lam Neten of Gasa Rabdey. the start of the paddy transplantation for this season was marked. It was participated by Dzongda, Dzongrab, selected civil servants, Gewog staff and local farmers. This is in pursuance of the successful piloting of paddy last season in 0.25 acres that produced about 480 kgs.
Why this ceremony for something as common as paddy transplantation? 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). Therefore for us, it is special and very significant. This paddy production will go a long way in realizing the self-reliance objective of the “Good to Great Gasa”.
Today we have transplanted about 0.25 acres out of the total of 7.3 acres, which is expected to produce about 14 MT paddy. The variety is “Chumroo” and 13 households are participating in this year’s paddy production.
This year’s rice will be very special as it is being grown in the pristine environment at an altitude of 2400 masl and will be the first ever harvest from this soil. So, interested parties can start bidding for this special rice.