Sustainable Happiness, Bhutan Development Project
Stories from Bhutan’s Site Visits (2)
Day 3: Visit to Korphu Gewog
Korphu Gewog – Visit to Green Tea House
On February 5, 2024, Chairman Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and volunteers from JTS visited Korphu Gewog in Trongsa Dzongkhag. They departed at 7 am. On their way to Korphu Gewog, they stopped at the Green Tea House at Samcholing Chiwog. This tea is an important source of income for some locals.
A view of Green Tea House
The residents of Samcholing cultivate and harvest green tea individually on their privately owned land. Afterward, they gather at the village’s communal facilities to process and package the tea for distribution. Their operation resembles that of a cooperative, where they collectively cultivate tea. The tea produced through this process is either bought in bulk by a Bhutanese company for export overseas or distributed for local consumption within Bhutan. It is noted that there are tea retail stores in Thimphu.
Cultivated and packaged green tea
Residents noted that cultivating crops for immediate consumption addresses their food needs, but converting crops into cash is challenging. As a result, there is a growing interest among the locals in tea cultivation. The scale of green tea cultivation is approximately 97 acres, but they express a desire to expand it to over 200 acres if sales increase.
It was found that the tea was delicious after tasting it. Unlike the residents of Samcholing they met yesterday, the residents operating the Green Tea House seemed very confident. While listening to their explanations, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim asked a question.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim conversing with residents who are operating the Green Tea House
“By the way, who taught you to make tea like this? Who taught you that these leaves, when brewed, make good tea?”
“Someone from Korea taught us.”
“How long ago did you learn this?””It’s been about 10 years. In Bhutan, we had a similar style of butter tea. However, the person from Korea taught us about green tea, including the manufacturing process, processing methods, and distribution. That person and the government also provided this building and infrastructure. It was done in consultation with the Bhutanese government at that time. That enabled us to produce and process green tea in Samcholing.
The unexpected answer surprised the entire JTS survey team.
“I see. Is there anything else you need for the operation now? Is the current distribution sufficient?”
After touring the tea brewing facility in the basement, the JTS team purchased some tea for various individuals to try. After over an hour of conversation, they left the Green Tea House as they still had a long way to go.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS survey team touring the tea brewing facility in the basement of the building
Visit to Napji and Nimshong Chiwogs in Korphu Gewog
The JTS survey team set off again by car towards Korphu Gewog. Korphu Gewog comprises a total of 5 chiwogs. The team decided to visit Napji and Nimshong Chiwogs today. Korphu 1 and 2 Chiwogs are located at an altitude of 1,300 meters, with a warm climate and a total population of 719 people. Most residents of Napji Chiwog sustain their livelihood by cultivating rice and spices such as cardamom. While it’s possible to grow common vegetables and fruits, the trend is decreasing due to the difficulty of transporting the produce to distant markets for distribution. The car continued to travel along the winding village road.
Finally, at 11:20 AM, the JTS team arrived at the Korphu Gewog Center. Leaders from the five chiwogs – Korphu 1 and 2, Napji, Nimshong 1 and 2 – were present at the Korphu Gewog Center. Before conducting the survey, the JTS team inquired about the school situation and village issues with each leader.
“The Korphu chiwogs consist of two chiwogs, with a population of nearly 700 people. However, there is no school due to a significant portion of the population moving to urban areas and a highly transient population. There are 15 students in Napji Chiwog and approximately 55 in Nimshong Chiwog.”
Is the population of Korphu Gewog continuing to decline?
“Previously, it was declining, but as far as I know, it’s increasing now. The opening of roads and expansion of public facilities have improved services, which seems to be contributing to the increase.”
The leader of Nimshong Chiwog mentioned some challenges.
“While other areas don’t have significant issues, Nimshong lacks irrigation facilities, making farming difficult.”
“If there were pipes, could you bring water here?”
“Since there’s a shortage of water in the Nimshong area itself, we have to bring water from elsewhere. It would require a great deal of materials, such as pipes and pumps, and transportation costs would be high.”
“I see, apart from the water issue in Nimshong Chiwog, there aren’t any major problems. The person sitting there, are you from the health center?”
“Yes, I work at the Napji Health Center. Although located in Napji, we accommodate residents from nearby areas as well. We provide basic medical services including general check-ups, blood tests, and hemoglobin tests.”
“How is the dental condition of the people here?”
“It’s not too bad. A dentist comes once a year to check on them.”
“Do people also give birth at this hospital?”
“Yes, about one out of every four births takes place here.”
After the conversation, the JTS team went to Napji Chiwog to visit the health center and school.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS survey team touring the health center
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS team surveying the school
The JTS team surveyed the interiors of both buildings thoroughly. Both structures were relatively well-maintained. The government has equipped them with adequate infrastructure. After surveying all of Napji Chiwog, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim addressed the government officials who were accompanying him.
“What I’ve noticed during my visits in Bhutan is that the government has truly ensured comprehensive infrastructure development throughout Nabji Chiwog. Even in these remote areas, necessities such as roads, electricity, and healthcare are well provided for the residents. Thank you. It’s not easy to accomplish this. You’ve done an incredible job.”
The central government officials, Trongsa regional government officials, and village leaders were all pleased with Sunim’s remarks.
Stakeholders attentively listening to Sunim
The villagers of Nimsong Chiwog welcome Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS survey team
The JTS survey team proceeded to their next destination, Nimshong Chiwog. Upon arrival, they engaged in conversations with the villagers. Ven. Pomnyun Sunim asked the villagers,
“What do you need the most?”
“We are unable to farm due to the lack of water.”
△ The villagers asking questions to Sunim.
The issue of water emerged as the primary concern. As one person initiated the conversation, others began to chime in about the water problem.
“How do you propose we solve it then? Does the person who just spoke have a solution in mind?
“I think it would be helpful to construct a new irrigation system.”
“How do you suggest we go about building it? If materials are provided, can you all construct it yourselves? Does anyone else have a different idea?”
“We had a water tank before, but it got buried under a pile of earth seven years ago. Since then, we’ve been facing difficulties with water supply. It would be great if we could even locate that water tank.”
“Was that water tank sufficient?”
“Yes, but it was more effective during the summer or when water was plentiful. In other seasons, we faced a water shortage.”
“In that case, it seems like creating a new irrigation system would be a better option. I’d love to continue our discussion with you all, but we have other engagements scheduled, so we’ll conclude our conversation here.”
After touring the school and health center in Nimshong, the JTS survey team departed for Zhemgang.
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the survey team touring the school
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the survey team inspecting the school cafeteria
Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS team surveying the health center.
The governor and the residents of Dzongkhag welcoming Ven. Pomnyun Sunim and the JTS survey team
“At 5 pm, we arrived at the entrance of Zhemgang Dzongkhag. Once again, the governor and locals came out to welcome us. After exchanging greetings, Ven. Pomnyun Sunim conveyed a request to the government officials, encapsulating JTS’s principles.”
“Greeting each person in the chiwog is taking up a lot of time. I’d like to streamline this process and have the opportunity to observe aspects of residents’ daily lives, such as their living environment and agricultural land. Please show me the most challenging households or areas facing water scarcity, if any. We don’t need to see only the good. Throughout the surveys conducted yesterday and today, I have realized that the government is making commendable efforts in various areas. Exploring these regions has been truly moving for all of us. I want to know if there are any impoverished areas in Bhutan where we can lend a hand. If the local conditions are favorable, there’s no reason for us to intervene. We need to see the most challenging areas to determine if there’s a need for our assistance. Feel free to unveil those quirky spots to your guests. My purpose in coming here is to witness the hardships. We’ve been hearing about traditional culture, but it’s taking too long! I’d like to make this request once again.” (Laughs)
“Yes, understood. Considering Sunim’s short stay, we selected areas closer to the road for efficiency. It’s true that the further we move away from the road, the more challenging the villages become.”
“Yes, regardless of the road’s location, please show us the difficult areas. I need to assess the situation before making a decision. I heard that Jemgang was chosen because it’s one of the challenging gewogs in Bhutan.”
“Of course, we’ll do that.”
“We hope for effective communication and collaboration between JTS, local government officials, and residents of Korphu Gewog, leading to the improvement of life and livelihoods in the community.”
