In the wake of pandemic restriction on the import of vegetables from India, cultivating them in our backyard has become a simple possibility. The restriction is in many ways blessing in disguise. Had it not been for the situation, many of us would have been consciously or unconsciously importing food and exporting our money. As a result, we would have played our roles that continue to impact our local economy, environment, indigenous knowledge, and our own health.

As we’ve witnessed, the pandemic has imposed us to produce our own food. It was our farmers who worked hard to produce our foods. They have saved us from going without essential foods.

While farmers are playing their roles to meet the need of nations, it is our responsibility to play our parts. For LME teachers, we have explored a mini kitchen garden at home. We planted chilli, bean, spinach, and other vegetables for our consumption. There were enough vegetables for our own consumption during the lockdown.

Now, we are exploring to set up a kitchen garden for Khenchen and lamas’ residence as a student project. Phase one is completed by setting up a backyard garden for Khenchen and sowing some seeds. Besides, we distributed 15 boxes (52cm by 35cm), filled with soil and manure to seven senior lamas. These boxes are sown with seeds including spinach, radish, beans, and coriander. The lamas were responsible to water the garden, take care of it and harvest the products for themselves.

Moving on, we will explore more such options to encourage ourselves to produce our own food in our small ways and cut down imports as much as possible.

After all, it’s very healthy to consume food that has the shortest journey. This journey begins with your choice.