In Samteling, Gelephu, PK Organic Farm stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature’s bounty and sustainable practices. This verdant sanctuary offers a tranquil escape from the chaos of urban life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of organic farming.
As we wander through the lush fields of PK Organic Farm, surrounded by the symphony of nature, it’s evident that this is no ordinary agricultural venture. Here, amidst the vibrant hues of thriving crops, individuals like Kamana Gurung are leading the charge toward a greener future through their commitment to organic farming.
Kamana Gurung, a visionary entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability, holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in English from Kalingpong. Her journey from literature to farming is a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving her community with healthy, chemical-free produce.
“My life transition from ‘literature to farming’ to serve with healthy chemical-free produce to the people. My life is my field, my love is my field. I got this inspiration from my parents whose whole life is devoted to the field of agriculture,” shared Kamana, reflecting on the roots of her passion for farming.
Today, Kamana Gurung proudly serves as the owner of PK Organic Farm, a labor of love named after her son. Through her dedication and hard work, she has transformed her vision into reality, creating a thriving
oasis of sustainability in the heart of Gelephu.
At PK Organic Farm, sustainable farming practices are at the core of every endeavor. From cultivating nutrientrich soil through composting and natural fertilizers to employing crop rotation and companion planting techniques, Kamana and her team are committed to nurturing the land while preserving its natural balance. But PK Organic Farm is more than just a place of agriculture; it’s a hub of community engagement and education. Through workshops, farm tours, and outreach programs, Kamana aims to inspire others to embrace organic farming practices and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
She noticed that they are limited for organic fruits and vegetables in her community. She was often left purchasing products from across the border for her family. Then she took matter into her own hands and
started her kitchen garden project. Kamana’s Garden went from a small 2.5-acre start-up to a 10.72-acre fully functioning farm in 2018. Today, Kamana’s incredible work has not only provided her community with a regular supply of fresh vegetables but also supplying to many other Dzongkhags.
“My day starts at 6:00am daily, it doesn’t matter whether it’s rainy, sunny, winter and summer season. Myself and my team starts by holding spade and hoes on our shoulder & walks towards the field. I wish to cultivatemore chemical free products to curb the expenditure in our health by the individual and the government, to create employment opportunities, reduce poverty, reduce inequalities and ultimately to have happiness in the world of work,” she shared.
Of course, running an organic farm is not without its challenges. PK organic farm faces the uncertainties of weather, pests, and market fluctuations, but they meet each obstacle with resilience and determination. Due to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Kamana realized the need to re-strategize for the future. With support from the Loden-Bhutan Foundation Covid-19 Response Grants, she set up a processing plant to preserve the seasonal excess vegetables and supply vegetables throughout the year.
PK organic farm focuses more on banned vegetables like chili, beans and cauliflower but farm also cultivate other crops like zucchini, okra, bitter gourd, broccoli, mushroom etc. currently they are doing mass Dragon fruit cultivation. Farm has two milking cows for milk, butter, cheese and also manure. They prepare their own bio-pesticides, insecticides to protect from pest and diseases. Farm follows green manuring and crop rotation to maintain fertility of the soil. Farm uses all the organic fertilizer like farm yard manure, bio char, and liquid manure so that farm needn’t have to spend huge amount on chemical fertilizer.
“Hard work, determination, consistency, patients, social& optimistic is some of the key to success which I always follow. When you do farming there is no such thing as finished. There are only the things that must be done now and things that can be done later, farmers have no day off,” Kamana resonates.
In future Kamana is planning to make a model farm with all the smart mechanized farming technology that could be seen as a model farm for many aspiring to take up commercial farming. She is currently pursuing her masters in International Tourism and Hospitality Management to integrate farming with tourism in Australia.
PK Organic Farm’s story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that it is possible to cultivate abundance while respecting the Earth’s finite resources. Organic farming is not just a method of production—it’s a philosophy that embraces the interconnectedness of all living things. The journey where the beauty of the land meets the integrity of our farming ethos, cultivating not just crops, but
a deeper connection to the earth. PK Organic Farm stands as a testament to the power of conscientious agriculture.
By Rinzin Dema
