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Neden Dorje
BUMTHANG – While farmers are no longer growing hazelnuts for various reasons, Nar Bahadur Mongar (52), a Tang farmer from Bumthang, has successfully tried intercropping strawberries and hazelnuts and is making a profit.
The hazelnut trees, which were expected to bear fruit in three to four years, unexpectedly took seven years to mature. But his persistence paid off, and his orchard developed into a fruitful enterprise. In his own words, he really killed two birds with one stone.
While he waits to harvest nuts from his 700 hazelnut trees covering an acre, strawberries also bring him a healthy income. “I use strawberries as another source of income,” he said.
His double cropping strategy not only brought financial stability, but also created a model for sustainable agriculture in Bumthang. His innovative intercropping system, which included growing strawberries between hazelnut trees, enabled him to maximize the use of his land.
He earns about 600,000 Ngultrum per year from strawberry sales alone.
Strawberries provide a steady source of income when hazelnuts are ripe, proving that the two crops complement, rather than compete with, each other.
But his success did not come overnight.
Nar Bahadur Mongal put a lot of effort into trying different growing techniques, learning through trial and error. “I had to test various methods and seek knowledge independently to find the right balance for growing strawberries and hazelnuts,” he recalls.
Today, his orchard has become a model for other hazelnut growers. The trees were initially slow to bear fruit, but now each tree can produce 2-5 kg of hazelnuts.
He sells hazelnuts directly from the orchard for 100 Ngultrum per kilogram. “The first year was difficult, but perseverance led to a good harvest in the second year, and the yield keeps increasing,” he said. “That’s why I’m planting more trees today.”
What makes his approach different is that he decided to grow the hazelnut trees taller than the standard recommended by the Mountain Hazel Company. This adjustment provides the strawberry plants with ample space and sunlight, increasing their yields. “The taller trees create a favorable environment for strawberries, while also allowing hazelnuts to flourish,” he said.
He attributes his success to careful management and a deep understanding of the interaction between the two crops. “Strawberries need sunlight from January to May, while hazelnuts don’t need much care during this period. This timing ensures that the crops don’t interfere with each other,” he explains.
Nar Brd Mongar said hazelnut trees are easy to produce fruit with proper care. “The key is for farmers to be patient and understand soil, water resources and other factors. They should choose high-yielding varieties and manage them properly, paying regular attention to their needs.”
What started as a hobby for him more than a decade ago has now grown into a sustainable livelihood. “I no longer need to work tirelessly to grow plants. The yields are improving every year, and I can look forward to a steady income as I get older,” he said.
He also benefits from the company buying back hazelnuts from his farm.
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