September 15: In Samtse, the price of vegetables imported from the neighbouring Indian towns has increased. This may come as bad news for consumers but local vendors are doing brisk business.

The Sunday market in Samtse is crowded with vegetable vendors and traders from the neighbouring Indian town of Charmarchi with their farm produce and goods. But with the price of vegetables that come from Churmarchi at its peak, customers are rushing to local vegetable vendors.

Our reporter Sonam Lhamo says a few vegetable vendors from Paro and Thimphu also come here to sell vegetables.

Local vegetables are relatively cheaper. For instance a kilogram of Indian chili costs about Nu. 60. Local chilies are available for about Nu. 40-50 a kilogram.

Indian vegetable vendors said the price of vegetables increases around this time of year.

For local farmers, it is the best time for business. The demand for locally grown vegetables is high and farmers who come here to sell vegetables do not have to worry about not being able to sell their goods.

Our reporter says sometimes the business is only a half day affair for them.

Hem Maya is from Dipujora village in Chengmari. She is a regular vendor at the Sunday market. Carrying vegetables on her back, she starts her journey early in the morning and by eight she is at the market.

She said it is difficult but worthwhile. The moment she arrives, Hem Maya finds herself swarmed by customers.