Farmers are now working towards adding value to their crops. A group of women in Menchu village under Norboogang Gewog in Pema Gatshel is one such example, they have started producing Banana chips a few months ago.
The group known as Sonam Rigphel Khazey Zotruen comprises of three women. They collect banana from their village and produce banana chips. The group was previously run by different people.
“They discontinued this initiative because they were busy with other works. While three of us did not have much work at home, we thought we should continue it,” Tshering Zangmo said.
The process of making banana chips are all done manually. The members say their only challenge right now for such a small-scale business lies in marketing.
“We produce the chips mostly when we get an order. But sometimes we do produce and take it to the market for sale,” Tshering Zangmo said.
However, for the business to succeed and to overcome their challenges, these women plan to go beyond Pema Gatshel.
“Till now we have never taken our products for marketing in other towns. We were busy with our school going kids. Once vacation starts, we are thinking we will start our marketing to Gelegphu and Samdrup Jongkhar as well,” Tshering Zangmo added.
The group is also looking forward to producing biscuits in future.
Thinley Dorji
